Question
From: (Redacted)
Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 4:28 PM
To: Verne, B. Michael
Cc: (Redacted):
Subject: Agricultural Property Exemption
Mike,
(Redacted) and I are working on the sale of assets comprising a winery, including vineyards, undeveloped land, and wine making facilities, all on the same parcel of real property, and related equipment, trademarks and inventory. We were wondering whether the recent informal interpretation linked below regarding wineries would apply to such a situation, as it is not stated in the interpretation whether or not the vineyards and the "winery" were on the same or contiguous real property. In other words, under 802.2(g) can you deduct the value of the vineyards (but not the actual grapevines) regardless of whether or not the winery is adjacent to or used in conjunction (or in our case, on the same parcel of real property) with the vineyards? (By (“winery") I mean the actual complex of buildings were the wine is made, as opposed to the definition under NAICS 312130, which seemingly would include contiguous vineyards).
Also, if the winery and vineyards were found on the same or contiguous real property, it appears to me that the proper NAICS code would be 312130 I "Wineries" (which are defined as "establishments primarily engaged in ... growing grapes and manufacturing wines and brandies"). And if that assumption is correct, does the reference to NAICS Sector 11 in 802.2(g) take it out of 802.2(g) or does the PNO interpret that reference as merely an example and not definitional?
http://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/premerger-notification-program/informal-interpretations/1104010-0