Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 2; Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 22; Title 43, Chapter 30 and Title 57, Chapter 3.

Present law creates a nine-member viticulture advisory board. Generally, the board is authorized to perform various research, planning, and administrative functions concerning the grape industry in Tennessee. This bill attaches the viticulture advisory board to the department of agriculture for administrative purposes.<br /> <br /> Present law levies a tax of $1.21 on each gallon of wine sold or distributed, except for sacramental wine. This bill creates a recurring appropriation of 6 percent of the wine tax revenue to the department of agriculture for the exclusive use of the viticulture advisory board.<br /> <br /> This bill deletes the present law requirement that the viticulture advisory board submit an annual budget request.<br /> <br /> This bill authorizes the viticulture advisory board to use funds appropriated to it for:<br /> <br /> (1) Viticulture research and industry outreach at state universities and community colleges;<br /> (2) Fermentation science research and outreach for enology at state universities and community colleges;<br /> (3) Increasing in-state grape production; <br /> (4) Developing and marketing the industry of wine manufactured in this state; and<br /> (5) Employing an executive director and support staff.<br /> <br /> This bill adds authorization for the viticulture advisory board to enter into contracts, provide grants, and take all other actions in furtherance of the purposes for which the board is established.<br /> <br />