EU to unite on wine sector challenges

The European Commission has invited EU member states to participate in a wine policy group to assess the deep challenges for the sector. Holding its first meeting on 11 September, the EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski announced the establishment of the group at the previous Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting, in response to requests from the European wine trade. It comes as the sector has seen unprecedented climate events in the vineyard and a decline in consumer purchasing of wine across France and other countries. For example, last year’s grape harvest in Prosecco was called an “annus horribilis” by a producer, a helpline was also set-up for “distraught” Bordeaux winegrowers hit with mildew, and Spanish wine regions have suffered from both devastating droughts in Catalonia, and violent hailstorms. According to a report by the French Association of Wine and Spirits Exporters (FEVS), the volume of drinks exported from France fell by 10.4% last year. In ...