The confirmation of Annie Genevard as France’s Minister of Agriculture on October 12 has been met with relief across the country’s wine sector. Industry representatives regard her reappointment as a stabilizing factor in a period marked by economic uncertainty and structural challenges.
For many producers, having a minister already familiar with the complexities of agriculture and viticulture is seen as essential for ensuring continuity and swift decision-making.
Joël Boueilh, president of the Vignerons Coopérateurs, emphasized that the minister must act without delay, noting that she “does not need time to familiarize herself with pending issues.” One of the most urgent matters concerns the situation of French wine cooperatives, which are awaiting the long-promised 10 million EUR in restructuring aid. This funding depends on the forthcoming conclusions of the General Council for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas (CGAAER), expected by October 31.
According to Boueilh, the proposed aid package falls short of what the sector requires. The initial request was for 25 million EUR annually, but only 10 million EUR has been pledged—and none of the funds have yet been disbursed. He warned that French vineyards are “under constant pressure, like a pressure cooker about to explode,” urging the government not to underestimate the growing frustration within the industry.
A Sector Under Mounting Pressure
The difficulties facing wine cooperatives reflect a broader crisis that extends into related sectors such as restaurants and construction, where declining activity signals weakening consumer confidence. Political uncertainty and subdued household spending have further dampened domestic wine consumption, compounding the challenges faced by producers.
Simultaneously, the industry is waiting for a response from the European Commission regarding access to reserve funds to support the definitive grubbing-up of unprofitable vineyards. The request—sent a month ago—seeks at least 200 million EUR in financial support. So far, no clear indication has come from Brussels, prompting the sector to urge the French government to secure a supplementary budget in the upcoming finance bill.
The Need for Stability and Rapid Action
Jérôme Despey, president of the FranceAgriMer specialized wine council and first vice president of the FNSEA, underlined the importance of stability within the Ministry of Agriculture to handle the ongoing crisis effectively. The 2025 harvest was notably low, driving up production costs and restricting sales both in domestic and export markets.
Despey has called for immediate action, including the temporary or permanent uprooting of vineyards, crisis management programs, and sustained support for promotion, contractual arrangements, and adaptation to emerging trends such as dealcoholized wines and the use of resistant grape varieties.
Minister Annie Genevard had already pledged during the summer to meet with industry representatives after the harvest to outline a concrete action plan. Following her reconfirmation, she reiterated her commitment, stating that she has “a duty to provide immediate and coherent responses to farmers.”
Growing Urgency in the Sector
The wine sector is now calling for an urgent meeting with the minister to discuss these unresolved issues. Despey highlighted the growing gap between the slow pace of political processes and the accelerating deterioration of conditions in the vineyards. The president of the Hérault Chamber of Agriculture echoed these concerns, stressing the need for both short-term financial relief and long-term structural solutions.
Meanwhile, representatives of the French wine industry are preparing to attend European Wine Day in Strasbourg on Tuesday, October 20. European Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen is expected to be present at the event, which will offer producers an opportunity to voice their concerns directly to European authorities.
For now, the reappointment of Annie Genevard provides reassurance, but the wine sector’s expectations remain high. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this renewed leadership can translate into tangible measures to stabilize and revitalize one of France’s most emblematic industries.
Source: Vinetur