A new package of measures was created to help the work of the wine industry

By: STA Date: 2022. 09. 01. 10:52

In recent years, we have found our way back to the heritage of the ancients, to the traditions of champagne production, and the Hungarian winemakers, who are always looking for new ways and technologies, have a big role to play in this process – stated Minister of Agriculture István Nagy at the IV. At the champagne conference, Etyek, on Thursday.

Members of mountain communities can start selling grapes or wine together (Photo: Pixabay)

The minister emphasized that good raw materials, excellent preparation and effective marketing are needed for Hungarian wine to be even more successful in the world. The Ministry of Agriculture places particular importance on the work of domestic winemakers, as the specialists of the sector react quickly to technical innovations and changes in consumer habits. István Nagy emphasized that the professional competence and commitment of Pál Rókusfalvy, the Government Commissioner responsible for National Wine Marketing, is a guarantee that, in addition to Hungarian wine, Hungarian champagne will once again be at the forefront of the world. The head of the ministry said that more than HUF 24 billion has so far been allocated to subsidies focusing on the purchase of winemaking machinery and technological equipment, which is one of the biggest sources of the sector. Developments can continue in the usual way until 2024 from the National Support Program for the wine sector, and from 2024 onwards from significant resources planned in Hungary’s Strategic Plan, he added.

Vinegrowers and winemakers will receive a new kind of support

The minister also announced that a new package of measures to help the work of grape growers and wineries has been created, which provides assistance to the actors of the sector in the field of sales and subsidies. From now on, the mountain communities will also have the opportunity to operate as producer integration organizations and thus contribute to the joint sale of grapes or wine by their members. In practice, it can be a great relief that they do not have to create a new organization for this purpose. Joint sales represent one of the most important bases for achieving higher purchase prices and better contract terms, the sector operates according to this principle in all major European grape-producing countries, the head of the ministry listed.

They increase the support intensity

He explained that a decision was also made to increase the intensity of support in the case of EU subsidies related to the renewal of vineyards and the purchase of wine machinery and technological equipment. In practice, this means that in the case of individual grape restructuring plans submitted and accepted in November 2021, as well as wine investment projects with support applications submitted in January-February 2022, grape growers and winemakers will receive more support than planned to achieve their goals. The support intensity is increased automatically, applicants do not need to request this separately. The move increases the chances of these developments being implemented in the current wartime economic environment, István Nagy pointed out.