20/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - Copa wants vineyard planting rights to continue. The heads of farm organisations Copa and Cogeca called on EU farm ministers on 20 September to instruct the Commission to unveil plans by the end of the year to ensure a continuation of the current system of planting rights in the wine industry in Europe. The organisations say that the removal of these rights would lead to serious imbalances on the market and the loss of jobs in rural areas. At present, 12 EU member states oppose the removal of planting rights in Europe (see EUROPE 10430) which, explain the two farm groups, might lead in the direction of industrialised wine-making and cause serious problems in the food chain by generating surpluses. (LC/transl.fl)