The Ministry of Agriculture supports the grape and wine sector with subsidies and measures

(Photo: AM)

Imre Hubai highlighted that one of the cornerstones of the renewal of the sector was the transformation of the mountain village system, thanks to which professional interest representation was strengthened and administration became simpler. The central management of the mountain magistrate system created a stable foundation for the development of a one-stop administration. All this contributed to the fact that producers could operate in a more predictable and transparent operating environment. The government has significantly reduced the administration and costs burdening wineries in recent years. New excise and wine law regulations have simplified registration, introduced the status of small-scale wine producers, and facilitated local sales. In addition, wine producers have received significant financial and administrative benefits when waste management rules were introduced, the state secretary explained. Imre Hubai said that the government provides long-term subsidies for the modernization of vineyards, wine investments, and the implementation of innovation and marketing goals, adapting to changing circumstances.

Within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan, a budget of almost EUR 112 million is available for these purposes until 2027.

He also spoke about how the subsidies for the restructuring of vineyards and wine investments have brought tangible results in the past decade and a half: since 2010, about 35 thousand hectares of vineyards have been renewed, with about HUF 88 billion in support, while more than HUF 21 billion has been allocated to wine investments. Applications for the restructuring of vineyards investment subsidies were open at the end of last year, and the applications are being assessed. The Ministry of Agriculture is also paying special attention to combating the golden yellow disease of grapes. The government adopted a seven-point national action plan in the fall of 2025, which includes detection, increasing laboratory capacity, a national pesticide control program and expanding the range of available pesticides. Building on the experiences of last fall, preparations for this year’s measures have already begun, he noted.

AM