AGRICULTURE CODE

TITLE 3. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND PROMOTION

CHAPTER 50B. TEXAS WINE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ACT

Sec. 50B.001. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. The legislature finds that:

(1) it is in the public interest to encourage the orderly growth and development of sustainable labor-intensive, value-added agricultural industries such as the wine grape growing and wine making industries;

(2) the production and distribution of wine and wine-related products constitute an important industry of this state that stimulates tourism and provides substantial and necessary revenues for the state and employment for the state's residents and provides an important food that benefits the public health and welfare; and

(3) it is vital to the continued economic well-being and general welfare of the citizens of this state that the state's wine grapes and wine be properly promoted by:

(A) enabling the wine industry in this state to help itself in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing of wine grapes and the wines they produce; and

(B) working to stabilize the wine industry in the state by increasing markets for wine grapes and wine within the state and the nation and internationally.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 878 (S.B. 1137), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2005.

This section was amended by the 84th Legislature. Pending publication of the current statutes, see S.B. 880, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, for amendments affecting this section.

Sec. 50B.0015. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "committee" means the wine industry development and marketing advisory committee.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 4.01, eff. September 1, 2009.

This section was amended by the 84th Legislature. Pending publication of the current statutes, see S.B. 880, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, for amendments affecting this section.

Sec. 50B.002. WINE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) The commissioner shall appoint a wine industry development and marketing advisory committee to:

(1) develop a long-term vision and marketable identity for the wine industry in the state that take into consideration future industry development, funding, research, educational programming, risk management, and marketing; and

(2) assist the commissioner in establishing and implementing the Texas Wine Marketing Assistance Program under Chapter 110, Alcoholic Beverage Code.

(b) The committee consists of members appointed by the commissioner who represent a diverse cross-section of the wine industry, including representatives of:

(1) grape growers;

(2) wineries;

(3) wholesalers;

(4) package stores;

(5) retailers;

(6) researchers;

(7) consumers;

(8) the department; and

(9) the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

(c) The members of the committee serve without compensation.

(d) A member of the committee serves at the pleasure of the commissioner for a term of two years. The commissioner may reappoint a member to the committee.

(e) The commissioner shall select a presiding officer from among the members and adopt rules governing the operation of the committee.

(f) The committee shall meet as necessary to provide guidance to the commissioner.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 878 (S.B. 1137), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2005.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 4.02, eff. September 1, 2009.

This section was amended by the 84th Legislature. Pending publication of the current statutes, see S.B. 880, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, for amendments affecting this section.

Sec. 50B.003. WINE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT FUND. (a) The wine industry development fund is an account in the general revenue fund and consists of funds deposited to the account under this section.

(b) Money in the account may be appropriated only to the department and may be used only for the purpose of:

(1) providing funding to public or private entities to conduct surveys, research, and other projects related to:

(A) developing the Texas wine industry;

(B) developing viticulture and enology-related education programs;

(C) eliminating and eradicating Pierce's disease, the glassy-winged sharpshooter, and other diseases and pests that negatively impact the production of grapes and wine in the United States; and

(D) developing technologies or practices that could benefit the production of grapes and wine; and

(2) any administrative costs the department incurs in fulfilling the purposes described by Subdivision (1).

(c) The account is exempt from the application of Section 403.095, Government Code.

(d) The department may accept grants, gifts, or gratuities from any source, including a governmental entity, a private or public corporation, or any other person, that are made for the purpose of furthering the Texas wine industry. Any funds received under this subsection shall be deposited in the wine industry development fund.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 878 (S.B. 1137), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2005.