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Nebraska Grape and Winery Board

General Information
  • Formal Name:
    Nebraska Grape and Winery Board
  • Contact Person:
    Max McFarland, Chairman 2702 N Adams St Lexington, NE 68850 (308) 324-5375
  • Purpose:
    The purpose of the board is to further the growth and economic development of the grape-growing and wine making industry in the state of Nebraska to a maximum level as supported by the favorable soil and climatic conditions existing in Nebraska, and to satisfy the market demand for grapes and wine inside and outside of Nebraska. The end objective is to create an economically viable alternative farm crop and wine industry in Nebraska that will enhance the economic condition of the farm industry and the state of Nebraska.
  • How Many Affectable:
    All adult Nebraska citizens and out-of-state tourists.
  • How Many Served:
    An estimated 110,000 visitors to Nebraska wineries every year
  • Year Created:
    2000
  • Year Active:
    2000
  • Sunset Date:
    Not specified
Authorization
  • Authorization Citation:
    Nebraska Revised Statutes 53-301 through 53-305.
  • Parent Agency:
    None
Memberships and Meetings
  • Number Of Members:
    5
  • Who Appoints:
    Governor
  • Legislative Approval:
    No
  • Qualifications Of Members:
    All board members shall be (a) citizens of Nebraska, (b) at least twenty-one years of age, and (c) either engaged in or previously engaged in wine or grape production or research in this state. At least two board members shall be members of the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association. In addition, the Director of Agriculture and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or their designee, shall be ex-officio members of the board but shall have no vote in board matters.
  • Per Diem:
    No
  • Expense Reimbursement:
    Yes. All voting board members shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses while attending meetings of the board or while engaged in the performance of official responsibilities as determined by the board.
  • Term Length:
    Each board member shall serve for a term of three years with exceptions specified for 2021.
  • Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:
    Terms Rotate
Meetings Required In:
  • Required FY 17-18:
    Once every six months
  • Held FY 17-18:
    2
  • Required FY 18-19:
    Once every six months
  • Held FY 18-19:
    2
  • Required FY 19-20:
    Once every six months
  • Held FY 19-20:
    3
Operations
  • Support Staff:
    Yes
  • Shared or Separate:
    Both. The Department of Agriculture provides staff assistance. In addition, an individual, working on a part-time contractual basis by the board, assists the department in fulfilling the clerical responsibilities associated with board activities.
  • FY 17-18 Budget:
    $229,949.86
  • FY 18-19 Budget:
    $241,116.80
  • FY 19-20 Budget:
    $369,808.98
  • Other Funding Sources:
    None
  • Spending Authority:
    The board authorizes and approves the Department of Agricultures expenditure of funds collected pursuant to 53-304.,
Accomplishments
  • Since July 1, 2016:
    Overview of Activities for FY 17-18:The Board of Directors held two meetings during the fiscal year. The year began July 1, 2017, and ended June 30, 2018. Emphasis was placed on supporting marketing and promotional activities and conducting research to assist in the betterment and development of Nebraskas grape and wine industry. Board revenue originates from shipper license fees, crushed grape fees, and grape excise taxes. Revenue from these sources is remitted to the State Treasurer for credit to the Winery and Grape Producers Promotional Fund. As in previous years, the revenue over the past several years has enabled the Board to fund several meaningful projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Nebraskas grape and wine industry. Priority funding was given to marketing and research projects targeted at increasing the sales and production of Nebraska grapes andor wines. The projects approved for funding totaled $319,616; $229,949.86 of this amount was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for reimbursement. Overview of Activities for FY 18-19: The Board of Directors held two meetings during the fiscal year. The year began July 1, 2018 and ended June 30, 2019. Emphasis was placed on supporting marketing and promotional activities and conducting research to assist in the betterment and development of Nebraskas grape and wine industry. The projects approved for funding totaled $97,716; $84,111.13 of this amount was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for reimbursement. Overview of Activities for FY 19-20: The Board of Directors held three meetings during the fiscal year. The year began July 1, 2019 and ended June 30, 2020. Emphasis was placed on supporting marketing and promotional activities and conducting research to assist in the betterment and development of Nebraskas grape and wine industry. The projects approved for funding totaled $383,948; $266,561.05 of this amount was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for reimbursement. Promotion of Nebraskas grape and wine industry continues to be a primary goal of the board. The board helps the grape and wine industry in becoming a strong and important part of Nebraskas thriving economy. They stay abreast of recent legislation affecting Nebraskas grape and wine industry, support Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA) activities, and work closely with the University of Nebraska Lincoln to receive guidance and education based upon industry research.