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The 2023 harvest in the Italian region of Abruzzo is 70 percent below average. The reason is the heavy rainfall in April and May, which led to a massive downy mildew infestation. The loss corresponds to around two million hl of wine - or 260 million bottles - worth up to 380 million euros. Representatives of the 15,000 winegrowing enterprises, which cultivate around 32,500 ha of vineyards, are now demanding a comprehensive aid package from the central and regional government. For example, the companies are to be compensated, the repayment of loans and financing is to be suspended for two years and social security contributions are to be reduced or suspended.
"After months of announcements, promises and false expectations, the political and business forces of the Abruzzo region are still unable to give clear answers to support the wine sector. We will be forced to take to the streets", representatives of the wine industry said in a joint statement. So far, only about five million euros have been made available, they said.
(al / Source: Il sole 24 Ore )