The cooperation of winemakers is key in the future

By: STA Date: 2024. 08. 09. 09:45

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The Somló wine region is an important symbol of Hungarian history and culture, which has preserved its values despite the difficulties of the last century. And today we can once again consider it one of the jewels of the Hungarian wine industry – said Minister of Agriculture István Nagy, on Saturday, at the Knights’ Professional Meeting organized by the Wine and Pálinka Order of the Somló and Környéke Borút Egyesület in Somlóvásárhely.

(Photo: AM/Tibor Vermes)

The head of the department explained that in order to flourish the wine region, the determination and professional cooperation of the winemakers was necessary. The exemplary cooperation and adaptability of the winemaking community is indispensable for successful adaptation to the changing market environment. Therefore, the winemakers do not just react to the changes, but also actively shape consumer needs, thereby setting a forward direction for the entire Hungarian agriculture. István Nagy emphasized that the partnership within the winemaking community will continue to be necessary in the future, because there are signs of a pan-European, but rather global, structural crisis. Consumption is decreasing and its spaces are also narrowing, the anti-alcohol lobby is very strong. Hungary perceives and evaluates these issues in the same way as the major wine-producing EU member states. He added that it is difficult to adapt to rapidly changing wine consumption habits. One way to do this is to stand on more than one foot, meaning that it is not only worth producing or selling wine, but also champagne or must, for example. However, this requires new knowledge and technology, because very good quality is increasingly expected in all price segments, said István Nagy.

The head of the ministry emphasized that the Hungarian government intends to provide all assistance in this regard in the future, and is therefore committed to supporting wine producers

Within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (KAP), HUF 10-11 billion in support is made available to the grape wine sector every year, which contributes to the sector’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness. In total, more than 100 million euros are available to support the sector in the financial period until 2027. In addition, in the framework of the programs aimed at restructuring the grapevine, about 80 billion were available in the last thirteen years, of which 30,000 hectares of vineyards could be renewed, explained the minister.