(a) The General Assembly recognizes, by the passage of this subchapter and § 3-5-405 [repealed], the vital contribution of agriculture to the economy of this state and of the hundreds of acres of Arkansas farmlands and of the numerous Arkansas citizens devoted to, and employed in, the production of grapes, berries, fruits, and vegetables grown in this state which are purchased by Arkansas wineries for use in the production of native wine in Arkansas.
(b) The General Assembly further determines that the purpose and intent of the Native Wine Law is to promote the increased marketing and exportation of Arkansas fruits and vegetables in the form of wine and that it was not the intent of the Native Wine Law to curtail the expansion of Arkansas wineries by restricting the supplies of raw materials used in the production of wine when the supply of any particular raw material within the State of Arkansas is insufficient to sustain a properly aged quality-controlled wine product line.
(c) It is further recognized that periodically severe heat, drought, flood, plant disease, or other natural factors may cause significant loss in the production of grapes, berries, fruits, and vegetables grown in this state for sale to the native wineries.
(d) The General Assembly further recognizes, by the passage of this subchapter and § 3-5-405 [repealed], the vital contribution of the native wine industry to the economy of this state because it provides new employment opportunities, additional income, support for existing industries, and an expanding tax base in this state.
(e) Recognition is also given to statistical studies which indicate that investments in grape vineyards require commitments of resources for up to forty (40) years.
(f) It is the purpose of this subchapter and § 3-5-405 [repealed] to establish procedures whereby a native wine industry disaster relief program may be established when conditions created by severe flood, heat, drought, plant disease, or other natural cause may materially affect the production of grapes, fruits, berries, and vegetables used in producing native wine in this state in the future.