Spain updates vineyard authorisation rules

Spain’s Council of Ministers approved new vineyard rules in Madrid on Tuesday, 25 August, changing the framework for wine-growing capacity and authorisations to plant vines. The royal decree, proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, aligns national rules with European Union wine legislation that took effect in March.

The European wine package was agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union in March. Spain said it had promoted several of its measures during negotiations, including greater flexibility in the vineyard-planting authorisation system.

Longer validity for planting permits

The decree extends the validity of authorisations for new vineyard plantings in certain exceptional circumstances. It also allows authorities not to issue any authorisations where limits on their allocation apply.

Replanting authorisations will also remain valid for longer. Administrative penalties for failing to use such replanting permits have been removed.

Crisis support and grape varieties

The rules set conditions for recipients of aid for permanent vine removal, bringing the authorisation framework into line with crisis measures.

They also update Spain’s list of grape varieties authorised for wine production.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com