LASARA, TX - Willacy County known for its rich agricultural history is about to be promoted for harvesting grapes as a crop uncommonly produced in the county.

Recently, county officials, a state representative from the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the county's governmental consultant met with Craig Williams, a landowner to learn about his grape-growing vineyard and business venture in Willacy County.

Craig Williams, a former Canadian, set his eye on Willacy's fertile soil by investing in the purchase of over 60 acres of land. Williams is about to join Texas¿ 280 commercial vineyards and wine producers. "I chose Willacy County because of its regional setting, rich soil, natural water drainage and climatic benefits with intent of becoming a successful wine-grape grower," said Williams.

Williams has a business plan that allows a threephase plan for his wine production at the JJ3 Ranch. Williams currently maintains a two acre vineyard that has been developing in its current two-year growth stage. On the third year, this vineyard according to Williams¿ plan and agriculture production potential would include the anticipation of fruit that will yield grapes for commercial production.

"Willacy County as a, 'wet county'will givemore freedom in thedif ferent kinds of winesbeing made andnot limit the amounts of imported grapes for blending with the traditional Texas grapes," said Williams.

"I was elated to meet Craig Williams and learn about his select business interest to join in Texas¿ wine growing, booming industry. Our agency promotes in its production and profitability," said Casandra Garcia, representing the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Willacy County officials could not agree more than to recognize the diverse business opportunities this type of industry would bring to the county.

"We support a product and business type that our state's Agriculture Commissioner promotes while it increases revenue for our state and local economy," said Interim Judge Guerra.

William's vineyard is located off Hwy 490, in Willacy County. "While this may be a small scale production vineyard compared to others, not for long," says Craig Williams.

Williams intends to keep planting grapes vines on his 60 acre land purchased as an investment with intent to expand its operation to the heights of selling grapes to other Texas wineries and for wine sales to promote tourism in the county.

During the second phase, Williams has plans for the construction of a 40-60 ft structure at the vineyard. Grape processing will be available as an attraction to tourists. The final stage of a winery business includes sales and distribution in Texas with a potential to produce a capacity of 5,000 gallons.

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas is the fifth largest wine producing state in the nation behind California. More than 3,100 acres have vineyards in Texas comprising a current total of 163 wineries producing roughly 2.4 million gallons of wine annually.

"I was amazed to learn the wine industry in Texas contributes more than $1 billion to the state's economy. The regional proximity of this vineyard located in my precinct would be considered as an outlet for tourists and enhance eco-tourism. Residents of Lasara and other surrounding communities would have an immediate economic benefit," said County Commissioner Eliberto Guerra.

Willacy County area restaurants and retail businesses would also expand in sales if residents petition the county to change certain areas of the county from being a "dry county."