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The German Winegrowers' Association (DWV) has criticised the details and subsidy rules for the reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). "There is still great uncertainty for the wine-growing sector as to the extent to which it can benefit from the voluntary, annual premiums for organic schemes. The organic schemes relevant for permanent crops are clearly underfunded," explained DWV President Klaus Schneider.
DWV demands "a clear demarcation of the promotion of flowering strips and areas as organic schemes compared to cover crop, which are promoted in the second pillar. In addition, the association demands that the minimum size of 0.1 ha for flowering strips be abolished and that one-year flowering strips between rows of vines be promoted instead. The EU subsidy of 150 euros per hectare is "not sufficient for seed and application".
Moreover, not using plant protection products is "unattractive as an organic rule". "100 euros per hectare as a subsidy for not using synthetic chemical pesticides does not even come close to covering the yield losses in organic viticulture in 2021," Klaus Schneider criticised. This regulation is "no incentive for conventional farms to change their plant protection". The use of fungicides must also "remain possible in this context", said Schneider.
"Of course, we respect sustainability, and biodiversity goals for viticulture and the challenges they bring. The profession is ready to take them on, also within the framework of the CAP. At the same time, they have to be feasible and financially viable," emphasised DWV Secretary General Christian Schwörer.
(uka / Source: DWV - Photo: German Wine Institute)