California officials collect Costco grapevines due to insect threat

Santa Clara County officials are undertaking a collection effort for grapevines sold at Costco due to concerns of an invasive insect infestation. The effort aims to prevent the spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, which poses a significant risk to the region's vineyards and agricultural industry.

The county's Department of Agriculture issued an urgent recall notice and is working with Costco to identify customers who purchased the affected plants. County employees are visiting homes to collect the grapevines, which were sold between April 21 and May 19. Costco has provided customer addresses to the agriculture department, and the collection is at no cost to the consumer.

The recall was prompted after glassy-winged sharpshooters were discovered on some of the more than 1,300 grapevines sold. Approximately 1,180 plants remain unaccounted for, according to local news reports.

These insects are known to transmit a destructive plant bacterium that causes Pierce's disease, which can quickly destroy grapevines, citrus trees, and other crops. The agriculture department warns that uncontrolled spread could lead to the collapse of local fruit and wine production and could result in restrictions on plant shipments within the state.

The door-to-door campaign has focused on the southern end of the county, an area with numerous wineries. The California wine industry generated over $84.5 billion in economic activity in 2025.