Petition for Establishment of a New Mexico Wine Grapes Commission

Petition for Establishment of a
New Mexico Wine Grapes Commission

Petition
We, the undersigned, growers and interested parties in the production of New Mexico grapes; hereby petition the New Mexico Department of Agricultural Commodity Commission Act Chapter 76, Article 21, Sections 1 through 22, for the formation of a new commission, to be known as the New Mexico Wine Grape Commission.

Commodity Included
New Mexico grown Vinifera grapes.

Reason for Establishment
The wine industry in New Mexico has been steadily growing over the past 25 years. There are approximately 700 acres of vines grown throughout the state. New Mexico is quickly becoming known for its quality wine and is in direct competition with California and other wine producing states. In order to continue producing quality wines and growth in the industry, there is a need for an organization to help educational and research efforts, marketing development, and promotional tools. The main goal of this organization will be to protect and represent the best interest of growers by coordinating efforts to study legislation and its effects on the industry, as well as increase research efforts and marketability of New Mexico Grapes.

Request for Referendum
We request that a referendum on the question of establishing a Commission be held among producers of New Mexico grapes.

Representation of Petitioners
The following persons are designated as authorized representatives of the petitioners in matters relative to the establishment of the Commission.
Florent Lescombes
Brandon Young

Composition of the Commission
The commission board will be comprised of 3 growers and 1 winery representative voted on by the commission members. It will also include 1 ex-officio member representing the New Mexico Department of Agriculture that will be appointed by the Director of that agency. To be eligible for the commission you must have 5 acres or more, with at least 3000 vines.

Commission Policy
Seek information from grape growers and users for purposes of planning and prioritizing expenditures of Commission funds.
Protecting and representing the best interests of industry, conduct research, education, and marketing initiatives which would benefit growers. Emphasis
would be on improving economics; dissemination of reliable information; cooperation with other agencies to carry out joint programs; receiving gifts and grants; and implementation or cause to be implemented, programs to increase commercial value of New Mexico grapes or grape products thereof.
Should the need arise, select an executive director and other employees for the purpose of conducting Commission business and fix their compensation.
Establish the assessment each year.
Members shall have the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities authorized by law.

Duties and Responsibilities of Commissioners
Represent and communicate with growers, handlers, and users.
Establish basic objectives and broad policies.
Maintain and enforce provisions of the act.
Elect commission officers to provide leadership and organization.
Employ personnel and enter into contracts on behalf of the commission.
Approve financial matters.
Provide for sound planning based on objectives, goals, and policies.

Assessment
Annual assessment shall be based on the vineyard acreage owned or leased by each individual grower. The assessment fee shall not exceed more than $5 per ton harvested. Farmers with 5 acres or more will be assessed with payment due on or before December 1st of the current harvest year. Any producer on whose behalf an assessment has been paid can request a refund by making written application to the commission.

Method of Collection
New Mexico farmers growing and harvesting 5 acres or more of grapes from production during any one year, shall pay the assessment. The assessment will be charged on all grapes sold by the vineyard by adding on this additional cost at time of sale to the buyer. If the vineyard is processing its own grapes they will still be responsible for paying the assessment on tonnage harvested for that year. A collection system will be established by the Commission and proper accounting systems shall be set up by each grape producer and then made available to the Commission upon request.