SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5790

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development, February 14, 1995

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

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

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Loveland and Newhouse.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development: 2/14/95 [DP-WM].

Ways & Means: 3/2/95

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & AGRICULTURAL TRADE & DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

  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:  Requested on February 8, 1995.

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:   None.

Testified:  PRO:  Wade Wolfe, Wine Advisory Board; Robert L. Wample, Washington State University; Simon Siegl, Washington Wine Institute.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Terry Wilson (786-7715)

Testimony For:  This is a fast growing industry but the money for research has not increased.  This money generates contributions from industry and the federal government.  Industry is more than matching this amount.  Research is important to the industry.  It is a modest request which is a critical catalyst to keep the industry competitive.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Rasmussen, prime sponsor (pro); Simon Siegl, WA Wine Institute (pro).