A study commissioned by the European Commission, published on Thursday 4 April, shows that, over the 2009-2016 period, winegrowers' productivity and incomes have increased overall.
The authors of the study, which assesses the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) measures applied to the wine sector, also point out that winegrowers processing their produce have significantly higher, but also more fluctuating, incomes than winegrowers selling unprocessed grapes.
National support programmes (NAPs) have contributed to improving the key competitiveness factors of EU wine producers. Indeed, the 'investment' measure has been widely used by operators. In addition, the 'promotion' measure supported the access of EU wines to foreign markets.
EU labelling rules “promote fair competition in the EU internal market”, while EU rules on oenological practices have had limited effects on competitiveness, according to this study.
In the wine sector, EU instruments have supported a major restructuring and conversion of wine policy. This approach, which represents more than half of the total budget allocated to support programmes in the sector, has led to significant mechanisation and increased profitability of vineyards, summarises the study. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)