By:  Madla, Estes                                               S.C.R. No. 17 



SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, In recognition of both the direct and indirect 
revenues that could be generated for the state by a robust wine 
industry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst charged the Senate Committee on 
Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the 78th Legislature to 
study and make recommendations relating to the development of the 
Texas wine producing industry; assess the impact of state and 
federal laws on the shipment and delivery of wine; and make 
recommendations for increasing the economic impact of the wine 
producing industry in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, The Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations 
found that Texas has all the elements necessary to be a competitive 
force in the national and international wine industries; the Texas 
wine producing industry could prove to be a stellar economic 
generator for the state of Texas; with the proper policies in place, 
the Texas wine producing industry is positioned to boom within the 
next 5 to 10 years; although progress has been made throughout the 
years, insufficient funding and budget reductions for new and 
existing education, training, and research hinder the development 
of the industry; and the lack of a consistent, coordinated, and 
centralized effort among industry stakeholders and public policy 
makers to develop appropriate programs and policies; explore, 
develop and access relevant funding streams; and communicate 
concerns and needs to appropriate parties impedes the development 
of this industry to its full potential; and
	WHEREAS, It has been shown by the world's major wine 
producing regions that investment into education and research 
creates an unparalleled advantage; and
	WHEREAS, Expansion of the Texas wine industry will need an 
influx of professional talent and expertise, particularly in the 
specialized fields of wine production and vineyard development; and
	WHEREAS, Nationwide, only universities in California and 
Washington State offer four-year undergraduate degree programs in 
viticulture and/or enology; and
	WHEREAS, Testimony at the October 6th hearing of the Senate 
Committee on Intergovernmental Relations indicated that, there are 
individuals and organizations ready, willing, and able to assist 
with the development of viticulture and enology education, but 
there is no specific undergraduate or graduate degree program in 
which to vest their support; now, therefore be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby respectfully encourage Texas A&M University, Texas Tech 
University, Grayson County College T.V. Munson Viticulture and 
Enology Center, and other Texas institutes of higher education 
offering education and research opportunities in viticulture and 
enology to collaborate to develop a world class education and 
research program within the State of Texas; and, therefore be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That the efforts of this collaboration be reported 
to the members of Legislature no later than the opening day of the 
80th Legislative Session.