CDU proposes seven-point plan for winemakers in Rhineland-Palatinate

CDU proposes seven-point plan for winemakers in Rhineland-Palatinate

The situation for winemakers in Rhineland-Palatinate has increasingly intensified. Increasing production costs, a decline in wine consumption and an oversupply on the international market put the winegrowers under pressure. In this tense situation, the Rhineland-Palatinate CDU presented an immediate program with seven points to help the companies. Group leader Gordon Schnieder warned that many winegrowers could be facing the end in the coming months. The more than 6,500 wine-growing companies in Rhineland-Palatinate are significantly affected by the current challenges.

The proposal includes the introduction of a so -called "rotary fallow". This measure enables winegrowers to reduce parts of their vines in order to create flower strips or so -called "organic university measures" instead. This is intended to receive a bonus of 3,500 euros per hectare and year. However, Schnieder makes it clear that the planters' planting rights must not be lost, so that they have the opportunity to use the areas again at any time for the cultivation of wine.

Promotion of the steep slopes wine building

Another important concern of the CDU is the support of the steep slopes wine building, which is particularly at risk due to its high management costs. Schnieder demands a significant increase in the grant for these acreage and warns of negative effects on the cultural landscape due to disused vineyards.

In addition, the CDU demands that the investment and structural bank (ISB) have a program for agriculture in order to provide unbureaucratic, interest-free loans for wine-growing companies. This should help those affected to survive the current economic crisis.

urgent viticulture summit necessary

In order not only to take short-term immediate measures, but also to develop long-term solutions, the CDU advocates a viticulture summit. All relevant actors should come together to keep German and European viticulture internationally competitive. Schnieder emphasizes that a coordinated approach is indispensable.

The CDU also aims to expand the Federal Environment Agency the opportunity to expand the use of pesticides, especially for eco -installation. This also includes the approval of potassium phosphonate. In addition, the service centers of rural areas (DLR) should be better equipped to comprehensively support the winemakers in this crisis.

Another central topic is the deletion of the agricultural reimbursement by the federal government, which must be reversed immediately from the perspective of the CDU. In addition, a tax risk equalization reserve is required to ensure the economic stability of the winemakers.

The current market conditions are alarming: in particular, the prices for barrel wine are often not in line with the production costs. Schnieder reports that many winemakers do not know how to reduce their stocks to make room for the new vintage. This situation makes it clear how pressing the necessary measures are to secure the future of viticulture in the region.

The state government, headed by Minister Daniela Schmitt (FDP), has already started various funding programs to combat the existing challenges. These include discussions on the sales promotion of wines outside of Europe and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles. Programs for business advice, investments in machines and for risk insurance are also offered.

The opposition does not see sufficient in these initiatives to sustainably improve the threatening condition of viticulture in Rhineland-Palatinate. The CDU sees the need for comprehensive support for the industry in order to preserve the traditional culture of viticulture in the long term.

More details on the suggestions of the CDU and their effects on viticulture are in an article by www.n-tv.de