By: Perry S.C.R. No. 41
(Burrows)
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Terry County grows more grapes than all the other
counties in Texas combined; in 2013, there were approximately 800
acres of vineyards in the county, constituting more than 80 percent
of the grapes in the state; as many as 3,000 acres of grapes are
expected to be planted in the county by the end of 2015 and 10,000
acres in the coming years; and
WHEREAS, Terry County is part of the High Plains region,
which endures many hot days but, at an altitude of over 3,600 feet,
enjoys cool summer nights; this drop in temperature slows the pace
of ripening and enables the grapes to mature over the growing
season, producing a better juice for wine production; and
WHEREAS, The region is extraordinarily windy, which reduces
problems related to humidity, such as mildew; its soil is sandy clay
over a bed of caliche, and these layers allow good drainage down to
the bedrock; and
WHEREAS, Many Terry County farmers are agricultural
producers whose families have been in the area for generations;
they possess unparalleled knowledge of the land and the requisite
work ethic to successfully bring a crop to maturity; with each
growing season, more acreage is planted with grapes and the farming
community's knowledge of grape growing also increases; and
WHEREAS, The business community in the county fully supports
the grape-growing industry, and a local chamber of commerce held
the first Taste of Terry County Vineyard Festival in 2013; and
WHEREAS, An increasing number of publications, such as the
Wall Street Journal, are recognizing Terry County for its
development into a producer of world-class wine grapes; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Terry County as the official Grape Capital of
Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of its designation.