2024 Boards and Commissions

Nebraska Grape and Winery Board

General Information

Formal Name:Nebraska Grape and Winery Board
Contact Person:Casey Foster
Purpose:The purpose of the NGWB is to further the growth and economic development of the grape-growing and winemaking 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 value-added 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. In 2008, a winery tourism study indicated 259 jobs; $16.4 million was the estimated economic impact on Nebraskas economy in 2010.
How Many Served:An estimated 110,000 visitors to Nebraska wineries every year (Source: The 2006 Economic Impact of Nebraska Wineries and Grape Growers. University of Nebraska Lincoln publication from the Bureau of Business Research.)
Year Created:2000
Year Active:2000
Sunset Date:NA

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 designees, 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.
Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:Terms Rotate

Meetings Required In:

Required FY 21-22:2 (Once every 6 months)
Held FY 21-22:2
Required FY 22-23:2 (Once every 6 months)
Held FY 22-23:2
Required FY 23-24:2 (Once every 6 months)
Held FY 23-24:2

Operations

Support Staff:Yes
Shared or Separate:Both. For administrative purposes, the boards Winery and Grape Producers Promotional Fund is located in the Department of Agriculture. The department provides staff assistance to the board. In addition, an individual, working on a part-time contr
FY 21-22 Budget:$229,949.86
FY 22-23 Budget:$241,116.80
FY 23-24 Budget:$369,808.98
Other Funding Sources:None
Spending Authority:Yes. Crushed grape tax fee, shipping license fee, and check-off fee

Accomplishments

Since July 1, 2020: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. Overview of Activities for FY: 2020-21:The Board of Directors held two meetings during the fiscal year. The year began July 1, 2020 and ended June 30, 2021. 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 $615,760; $332,355.88 of this amount was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for reimbursement. Overview of Activities for FY 2021-22:The Board of Directors met in June 2022. The fiscal year began July 1, 2021, and ended June 30, 2022. 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 $876,265; $648,969.51 of this amount was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for reimbursement. Overview of Activities for FY 2022-23:The Board of Directors met in January and June 2023. The fiscal year began July 1, 2022, and ended June 30, 2023. 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 $642,352; $443,784.31 of this amount was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for reimbursement. Overview of Activities for FY 2023-24:The Board of Directors met in November 2023 and June 2024. The fiscal year began July 1, 2023, and ended June 30, 2024. 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 $597,099; $554,275.47 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. The- boards strategic plan, meeting minutes, fiscal reports, contracts, statutes, and other documents pertaining to board matters can be found at http:www.grapeandwineryboard.nebraska.gov.