SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1741

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development, March 28, 1995

Title:  An act relating to moneys for wine and wine grape research.

Brief Description:  Providing moneys for wine and wine grape research.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Chandler and Mastin).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development:  3/23/95, 3/28/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & AGRICULTURAL TRADE & DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Loveland, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Bauer, Morton, Newhouse and Snyder.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background:  Currently, one-fourth cent per liter of the tax imposed on wine sold in this state is provided to Washington State University for wine and wine-grape research, extension and resident instruction programs related to wine grape production and processing.

Summary of Bill:  An additional one-half cent per liter is provided for wine and wine-grape research, extension and resident instruction programs related to wine grape production and processing.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Since 1981, when the one-fourth cent per liter was made available for wine grape and wine production research, the wine production in this state has steadily grown and now ranks second in the nation in production of premium table wines.  There are a large number of research projects that need to receive funding such as improvements in rootstock, irrigation practices, cold hardiness, and pest management, including registration of pesticides for this minor crop and various other processing studies.

To maintain and continue to expand the wine industry in the state, additional funds are needed.

Testimony Against:  Wine and other alcoholic beverages should not be promoted as it is a contributor to youth traffic accidents, human health problems and domestic violence.

Testified:  Simon Siegl, Washington Wine Institute (pro); Janice Stonestreet (con).