Machinery and technology procurement support is available for winemakers

(Photo: AM/Tibor Vermes)

Zsolt Feldman emphasized that, in addition to the challenges, this year can also create many opportunities for the sector, including for the winegrowers and winemakers of the Kunság Wine Region. “The support schemes for mechanization and technological developments are now appearing, which will be an opportunity for winemakers to progress in terms of efficiency and quality, in making the best possible wines.” The state secretary explained that the funds can be requested for the purchase of new winemaking machinery related to grape processing and winemaking, the packaging of winemaking products, and material handling, and also provides an opportunity to fulfill the obligations of data provision, reporting, and registration related to the distribution of winemaking products, as well as the administration and also for the procurement and development of hardware and software for company management.

The grant application can be submitted electronically to the Hungarian State Treasury until April 29, according to the decree published in the Hungarian Gazette on Thursday

In the case of primary producers and SMEs, 50 percent of the net purchase price of the investment asset can be claimed, while in the case of Budapest operations, 40 percent. A maximum of HUF 100 million can be granted to one beneficiary per submission period for the payment request. The payment request can be submitted electronically in the two financial years following the submission of the support request, between November 15 and December 21 of the current year, he added.

Zsolt Feldman presented the Common Agricultural Policy I and II. the grape and wine industry subsidies of its pillar

He emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture prioritizes the production of alcohol-reduced or non-alcohol wine products that enable a wider reach of consumers and the stimulation of innovation efforts that strengthen environmental sustainability. For this purpose, until 2027, it will develop a scheme with a budget of 1.5 million euros for the second quarter of 2024. Also in the second quarter, plans to support the winemakers’ promotional projects will be announced, for which 6 million euros will be available. He noted that the various environmental compensation area-based subsidies have increased in value for grape growers. As an example, he mentioned the Agricultural Environmental Management Support Program and the Agro-Ecology Program, the payment of which will start in April.

AM