The High-Level Group on Wine Policy has issued a set of forward-looking recommendations aimed at ensuring the resilience and adaptability of the EU’s wine sector.
These proposals, which were endorsed by the 27 EU Member States and presented to key stakeholder organisations, were unveiled during the Group’s final meeting. Commissioner Christophe Hansen, who delivered closing remarks, underscored the significance of these recommendations and praised the collaborative efforts that brought them to fruition. The next step involves the European Commission assessing how these proposals can be integrated into the existing EU wine policy framework, with the overarching goal of supporting wine producers and regions across Europe as they navigate a challenging future.
Three Pillars of Recommendations
The Group’s recommendations revolve around three critical areas:
- Aligning Wine Production with Market Demand
- Boosting Resilience to Market and Climate Challenges
- Adapting to Trends to Capture New Market Opportunities
1. Aligning Wine Production with Market Demand
Recognising the high potential of existing policy instruments, the Group calls for their optimisation and enhancement to meet future challenges. A coherent, strategic approach is deemed essential for managing wine production potential to prevent structural over-supply.
Proposed measures include:
- Implementing targeted grubbing-up schemes in specific regions or for particular types of wines.
- Introducing a temporary modulation of production potential through a more flexible management system for vine planting and replanting authorisations.
- Facilitating mechanisms to adjust grape yields in response to market conditions.
These actions aim to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience at both regional and national levels.
2. Strengthening Resilience to Market and Climate Risks
The recommendations advocate for a more robust framework to shield wine growers from market volatility and the impacts of climate change. Key proposals include:
- Combatting unfair trading practices more effectively.
- Enhancing access to risk management tools and innovative insurance solutions.
- Aligning investment strategies with climate change adaptation plans.
Additionally, the Group suggests increasing flexibility in the financial management of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget dedicated to the wine sector. This includes amending national support programmes to enable quicker responses to market or climate disruptions.
3. Adapting to Consumer Trends and Global Market Opportunities
To address evolving consumer preferences and seize new market opportunities, the Group recommends:
- Improving data collection to better understand market dynamics.
- Facilitating the development and promotion of innovative grapevine products, including de-alcoholised wines.
- Supporting innovation to meet new tastes and demands.
The Group also emphasises the potential of EU wines as symbols of sustainability, rural development, and cultural heritage. Key strategies include:
- Promoting direct sales from producers to consumers.
- Fostering oenotourism as a means of enhancing the economic viability of wine regions.
- Positioning EU wines as ambassadors for environmental stewardship and landscape preservation.
The Path Forward
The recommendations serve as a roadmap for the future of the EU’s wine sector, offering a blend of strategic, market-oriented, and sustainability-focused measures. By integrating these proposals into the EU wine policy framework, the sector can better adapt to the dual pressures of market evolution and climate change. The collaborative efforts of the High-Level Group, Member States, and stakeholder organisations highlight the shared commitment to securing a vibrant and sustainable future for European wine.
Source: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development