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Wine producers fight over fee

A bill that imposes an additional tax on all wine sold in Missouri was discussed Monday in the Missouri Senate. Adrienne Huth has the story in Jefferson City.

A checkoff fee that taxes only Missouri producers is also a component of the bill. Representative Vicky Riback Wilson of Columbia says this bill is beneficial to Missouri wine producers.

"It is a partnership between grape growers and the state in order to fund additional research into the growing of grapes and the promotion of the Missouri wine industry."

Terry Schlemeier of the Missouri Wine Institute opposes the bill.

"It is a taxation method where you tax hundreds of different wineries from all over the world and California and you give it...make it available for the use of only six or seven wineries.. that's what I'm opposed to...that principle, not the money."

The bill has passed in the House and awaits vote in the Senate. Reporting from the state capital, I'm Adrienne Huth.

Missouri wine producers face a checkoff fee if the bill passes. Representative Vicky Riback Wilson of Columbia says is bill is vital to increase research that the MU College of Agriculture set up.

"involved in setting up a research station in Southwest Missouri for wine and grapes. It is now the most comprehensive research station between California and New York."

Opponents in the wine industry say it that is is wrong to tax out-of-state producers that only benefit a select few Missouri wineries.

The bill awaits vote in the Senate. It has already passed in the House. Reporting from the state capital, I'm Adrienne Huth.