The European Confederation of Independent Winegrowers (CEVI) proudly presents its manifesto, setting forth a comprehensive vision for the future of independent winegrowers in Europe. With the European elections looming in early June, CEVI aims to ensure that the voices of European independent winegrowers will be heard loud and clear on the eve of this new parliamentary term.
As a whole, the wine sector is a vital contributor to the European Union’s economy, generating 130 billion euros in GDP, 2.9 million direct and indirect jobs, and attracting over 36 million wine tourists. Among this sector, Europe’s 200,000 independent winegrowers embody a unique approach to winemaking, from the vineyard to the table. Serving as farmers, craftsmen, and merchants simultaneously, European independent winegrowers play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s economic, social, and environmental landscape in wine regions.
To continue their mission, Europe’s Independent Winegrowers advocate for the preservation of wine as an agricultural and artisanal product, emphasising its unique place within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This is essential to provide a continued support for small-scale wine producers and improve their competitiveness within a preserved CAP framework, including essential measures such as the planting authorisation scheme.
Furthermore, CEVI highlights the need to guarantee access to the single market and reduce burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In its Manifesto, it continues to propose the establishment of a ‘one-stop shop’ for excise duties to facilitate distance selling within the EU, thereby benefiting both producers and consumers. On the global stage, CEVI calls for the implementation of increasingly competitive strategies, including free-trade agreements, promotional initiatives, and facilitation measures. Family-owned SMEs operated by independent winegrowers need these initiatives in order to win new markets in third countries and continue to develop.
The Manifesto also addresses crucial issues such as the protection of winegrowers against trade disputes, maintaining social sustainability, encouraging environmental sustainability, and promoting responsible consumption of wine. To conclude, CEVI’s President and Italian wine producer Matilde Poggi outlines the pressing need for the establishment of a new Intergroup Wine after the elections: ‘all along the last mandate, the members of the Intergroup Wine have demonstrated continuous support towards CEVI’s positions. Regarding the social, environmental and economic challenges faced by the wine sector, it is of crucial importance for European independent winegrowers that the newly elected Members of the European Parliament remain this precious support for the next five years.’