MI SB0439

Renames the "grape and wine industry council" to the "Michigan craft beverage council" and houses it under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development under Executive Reorganization Order No. 2014-2.

Expands council membership from wine-focused representatives to include voting members representing brewers (large, micro, and brewpub operators), distillers (small and large), hops and barley growers, and retail/restaurant operators, with principal places of business in Michigan.

Establishes the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as nonvoting chairperson and requires voting members appointed by the governor to serve 3-year terms with a limit of 2 consecutive terms.

Requires the council to expend at least 50% of its annual budget on research, marketing, and financial aid programs for fruits used in winemaking, wines, hops, barley, beer, hard cider, and spirits.

Expands council duties to include research on brewing and distilling industries, market surveys, promotion of craft beverages, financial aid programs for hops and barley growers, educational partnerships, and annual reviews of marketing recommendations in consultation with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.