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F I S C A L   I M P A C T   R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR:

Nunez

 

DATE TYPED:

01/24/03

 

HB

98

 

SHORT TITLE:

NMSU Viticulturist

 

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST:

L. Baca

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY03

FY04

FY03

FY04

 

 

 

150.0

 

 

Recurring

GF

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

Duplicates SB 47

 

Relates to Appropriation for New Mexico State University in the General Appropriation Act

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From

 

College of Agriculture and Home Economics, New Mexico State University (NMSU)

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of Bill

 

House Bill 98 appropriates $150.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University for a viticulturist in the Cooperative Extension Services (CES), College of Agriculture and Home Economics, to provide specialized services to New Mexico’s vineyards and wine industry.

 

     Significant Issues

 

The grape growing and wine industry in New Mexico is developing into a significant economic activity.  According to NMSU, the industry must become involved in protecting itself through proper plant selection and best management practices, care and long-term maintenance of vineyards.  This bill adds a viticulturist FTE to the CES who will provide technical assistance to New Mexico’s vineyards and wine industry.  An appropriately trained professional will carry out education programs and best practices management seminars and demonstrations to enhance then knowledge and awareness of related issues.

 

A request for $100.0 for this activity was submitted to and approved by the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University and the Commission on Higher Education. 

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The appropriation of $150.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund.

 

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

 

1.                  How do New Mexico grape growers and wine makers currently obtain technical assistance ?

2.                  Does the industry have a association that could provide or purchase these servies ?

3.                  How has technical assistance been provided to the industry thus far ?

4.                  Other than a state appropriation, are there any sources of funding that could be tapped to fund this program ?

 

LB/njw