IN BREVE
- CEVI thanks the European Commissioner and those who contributed to the High-Level Group on wine, but expresses concern over the final text of the Wine Package.
- The document seems to favor industrial products and massification, overlooking the specific needs of small and medium-sized wine enterprises.
- CEVI appreciates the progress on promotion in third countries and support for wine tourism, which are vital for artisanal businesses.
- It also recognizes improvements in crisis management tools and the stabilization of the planting authorization system.
- President Samuel Masse highlights that, despite its shortcomings, the Wine Package is a necessary response to the crisis in the European wine sector.
The European Confederation of Independent Winegrowers (CEVI) thanks the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, and the services of the European Commission for launching the High-Level Group (HLG) on wine, whose work laid the foundations for the development of the Wine Package, designed to respond to the crisis affecting the European wine sector. Recognition also goes to rapporteur Esther Herranz Garcia, the shadow rapporteurs, and the members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture, whose contribution significantly improved the initial proposal, making it more aligned with the reality of the family and artisanal businesses that represent the heart of the Independent Winegrowers’ model.
CONCERNS
Alongside the positive elements, CEVI expresses concern regarding the overall direction of the final text. The document attributes significant weight to industrial products such as partially dealcoholized wines and reinforces dynamics of production massification and concentration of sector operators, particularly through the growing role of Producer Organizations. According to CEVI, this approach does not reflect the specificities of a sector where value creation is based on diversity, ties to the land, and artisanal expertise. Furthermore, fears emerge that public support may be preferentially directed toward large-scale structures, to the detriment of small and medium-sized wine enterprises.
PROMOTION, TOURISM, AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT
The Confederation nevertheless recognizes the progress made on several strategic priorities for the businesses represented. In particular, the interventions on promotion in third countries are viewed positively, with better access to this measure for small producers, as well as the strengthening of support for wine tourism. These tools are considered essential to foster diversification and the economic development of Independent Winegrowers’ businesses.
CEVI also welcomes the enhancement of crisis management tools made available to Member States, including the introduction of the grubbing-up measure, deemed necessary to address current tensions in the sector. There is also a positive assessment of the permanent stabilization of the planting authorization system, defined as a pillar for the balance of European vineyards, and the extension of replanting authorizations, which guarantee greater flexibility and predictability for winegrowers.
As highlighted by the president of CEVI, Samuel Masse: “Although the Wine Package does not meet all the objectives set by the High-Level Group, it provides a necessary response to the current situation of European viticulture. Thanks to the work of the European Parliament, the final text better reflects the reality of the artisanal and family-run wine SMEs represented by the Independent Winegrowers, particularly regarding promotion and support for wine tourism. Preserving the diversity of models, terroirs, and artisanal know-how remains essential to ensuring the future of European viticulture and wine regions.”
