Gov. Jared Polis and Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg requested a disaster declaration for the state’s wine industry following freeze damage, the Colorado Wine Board announced Tuesday.

Colorado’s record-setting low temperatures in late October resulted in extensive damage to grapevines in the Grand Valley American Viticultural Area and in Delta and Montrose counties.

“I am requesting a USDA Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Colorado’s Western Slope counties impacted by the freeze event,” Polis said. “A disaster declaration is necessary to access critical programs and assistance needed by our producers.”

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At least 70% of crops in the Grand Valley have been lost so far, according to a survey by Colorado State University, and losses could increase to 100% before the survey ends.

The vitis vinifera grapevines that were lost make up 87% of Colorado’s grape production, according to the Department of Agriculture. Damage to the other 13% of grape varieties has been reported out of Delta and Montrose counties.

“Although this could mean the 2021 harvest will be reduced, our grape growers are coming off several years of record-setting crops, which will hopefully carry them through this lean period,” said Doug Caskey, executive director of the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board.

Wine grapes account for 1,000 acres of agriculture in Colorado’s western slope, producing 1,600 jobs and $300 million annually in wine production and tourism.