Brussels, 23/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 22 July, the EU management committee approved a Commission proposal amending Regulation 555/2008 on aid programmes, trade with third countries and the production potential of the wine sector.
For 2013, 2014 and 2015, increases of between 20 to 50% are planned for the rates of advance for wine sector investment aid programmes set out by the common market organisation (CMO). French Agriculture Minister Stéphane Le Foll had strongly pushed for this measure, which seeks to facilitate the completion of investment projects.
France welcomed this proposal in the context of transition between the two multiannual programmes planned by the CMO for the 2009-2013 and 2014-2018 periods.
The national aid programme is part of first pillar funding of the CAP and helps to put into action the different kinds of measures for the sector. In this connection, France has chosen an ambitious programme, retaining the most structuring measures for the sector and its future (investment aid, restructuring of vineyards and promotion aid, etc.). In a press release, France explained that “this opportunity provides those working in the wine sector with further leverage for promoting investment and improving competitiveness”. (LC/transl.fl)