San Benito County, CA
Home MenuSAN BENITO COUNTY RESIDENTS URGED TO REPORT RECENT COSTCO GRAPEVINE PURCHASES TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE PEST
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2026
SAN BENITO COUNTY RESIDENTS URGED TO REPORT RECENT COSTCO GRAPEVINE PURCHASES TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE PEST
SAN BENITO COUNTY, CA - The San Benito County Department of Agriculture is asking residents who recently purchased grapevines from Costco locations in Monterey, Santa Cruz, or Santa Clara counties to contact the Department of Agriculture for inspection assistance as part of a statewide effort to prevent the spread of a destructive invasive pest.
The request follows a statewide emergency response announced by the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA) to contain the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an invasive insect capable of transmitting Pierce's disease, a serious plant disease that threatens California vineyards and other agricultural crops.
Agricultural officials have identified potentially affected grapevines that may have been distributed through Costco warehouses in Northern California. County agricultural departments are working collaboratively to locate, inspect, and, if necessary, remove potentially infested plants before the pest becomes established. Residents who purchased grapevines from the affected Costco stores should call the San Benito County Department of Agriculture at (831) 801-9225. Residents are encouraged not to move or dispose of the plants until they receive guidance from agricultural officials.
The statewide response effort was announced by CACASA in coordination with county agricultural commissioners throughout California to identify and remove potentially infested plants before the pest can become established. For additional information or to schedule an inspection, contact the San Benito County Department of Agriculture at (831) 801-9225.
About CACASA
The California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA) represents California's county agricultural commissioners and sealers, who work to protect agriculture, consumers, and the environment through regulatory, inspection, and pest prevention programs.