|
|
The Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) can finally start disbursing donations for the wineries in the Ahr region affected by the flood disaster in July 2021. With its specially founded non-profit association "Der VDP.Adler hilft e.V.", the VDP has collected 3.8 million euros from 4,000 donors. The aim is to support all winegrowing businesses in the Ahr region that were damaged by the flood - regardless of whether they are VDP members or not.
It is true that first amounts were already paid out as emergency aid in 2021 - mainly to secure the harvest. But the distribution of the donations proved difficult due to complicated tax regulations. These hurdles have now been overcome in many discussions and consultations with authorities and agencies. The donations are based on a distribution key that takes into account the size of the farm in terms of hectares cultivated and the residual damage not covered. On average, each winegrowing enterprise receives an amount in the five- to six-digit range, one cooperative almost 800,000 euros. The three cooperatives Mayschoss-Altenahr, Dagernova*** and Ahrweiler-Winzerverein will pass on part of the money to their members.
The VDP emphasises that the legal, administrative and consulting costs were kept extremely low at only about one percent and thanks all supporters. Since it can be assumed that viticulture in the Ahr region will still need help in the future, the fundraising campaign will be continued.
(al / Source: VDP; Photo: Gisela Kirschstein)