Sid Miller says Vibrant Wine Industry is critical for Texas Agricultural Economy

AUSTIN, Texas, May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sid Miller, the front-runner in the Republican run-off election for Texas Agriculture Commissioner, said that once in office, he will work to strengthen the Texas grape and wine industry and will promote Texas wines around the world.

Miller, the former Chairman of the Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee, said that the Texas wine industry has an economic impact to the State of Texas in excess of $1.9 billion and was responsible for almost 11,000 full-time agriculture related jobs.

"Texas was the site of the first vineyard established in North America by Franciscan priests in 1662," said Miller. "As European settlers followed the development of mission outposts, they brought more grapevine cuttings, further developing the industry through the 1800s. Today Texas has over 4,500 acres of producing vineyard farmland," Miller added.

Sid Miller said that while the Texas Department of Agriculture has worked hard to promote the Texas wine and grape industry through its "GO TEXAN" program, as the state's next Agriculture Commissioner he is ready to travel the globe in order to ensure that consumers understand that Texas produces some of the finest wines in the world.

Miller said he would also work to promote more wine-related tourism in the Lone Star State.

"Texas has approximately 240 wineries and 420 grape growers," Miller said. "Together, in 2011, they hosted 1,438,000 tourists who spent in excess of $437 million. As Ag Commissioner, I will make sure the Texas Department of Agriculture works closely with the Governor's office and its Economic Development and Tourism Department to bring even more wine enthusiasts to Texas."

"Pardon the pun, but the State of Texas is 'ripe' for explosive growth for our wine industry and I look forward to working with our state's wineries, grape growers, the Texas Legislature, and our other state elected officials to ensure that we maximize that growth and promote the wine industry in our state," Miller concluded.

Press Release Contact Information:
Todd M. Smith
Manager
Sid Miller Campaign
(512) 658-9699
[email protected]

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SOURCE Sid Miller Campaign, Ted Nugent, Treasurer