After a good meeting at the Consejo Regulador yesterday with
its director and president as well as various representatives of the sector,
Luis Planas, the Junta’s agriculture minister said he was optimistic about the
future of Jerez as long as they can work together.
In his first visit to the Consejo, the minister offered his
personal support and that of the Junta for the work of the Consejo, but stressed
the importance of adapting to current market conditions, as there have been
difficulties in selling to the markets and getting across the actual product. It
could be deduced from his words that he felt that a bit more drive would be
helpful, but the future could be bright if everyone worked diligently. He announced
significant support.
He encouraged the sector to take advantage of the various
lines of aid for promotion, especially those directed at export, and pointed
out the high level of acceptance, which according to Ministry figures amounted
to 87% of the total of grants paid during the period of the Programme of
National Support, some 9.7 million euros. He said that by working together this
measure could be used more and better by
the bodegas and cooperatives of the area.
The minister also addressed the reform of the EU Common
Agricultural Policy and in particular how it affects the vineyards. He went
over the actual state of negotiations about plantation rights: the proposals of
the Parliament and Council of Europe are leaning towards the status quo until
2019 or 2024 and with an increase in the eligible area up to a maximum of 145%,
which could mean that Andalucia went from 3.5 to 4.7 million hectares. As to
the fines imposed by the CNC (Office of Fair Trading), he said that more
flexible rules would have avoided the problem.
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