Background
Members of the grapevine industry submitted a draft proposal to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for a promotion, research and information program covering grapevines that produce grapes for juice, wine, table use, raisins or other products. AMS received a draft Order and a support document in August 2026.
The program aims to maintain and expand markets by funding research and information initiatives for grapevine growers and nurseries, offering genomics infrastructure, transgene-free varietal development, and industry-accessible intellectual property. The goal is to improve vine resilience, disease resistance, labor efficiency, and cut costs.
First handlers would pay an assessment of 2.5 percent of sale of grapevines or propagated material. First handlers whose annual sales are less than $250,000, calculated over four fiscal periods, would not be subject to the Order. If established, this program would be implemented under the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996.