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.

Sec. 50B.0025.  ANNUAL PLAN AND BUDGET.  Not later than November 1 of each year, the commissioner shall prepare for the current fiscal year:
(1)  a schedule and plan of action designed to implement and further the objectives of this chapter and Chapter 110, Alcoholic Beverage Code; and
(2)  a budget and prioritized spending plan for expenditures of the wine industry development fund.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 846 (S.B. 880), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by: 
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 848 (S.B. 703), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2021.

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)  Except as provided by Sections 205.03(l), (m), and (n), Alcoholic Beverage Code, 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 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.
Amended by: 
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 846 (S.B. 880), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2015.