(April 23, 2010 – Brussels) On the 17th of April, at the Concours des Grands Crus de France in Macon, the French Minister of Agriculture – Mr. Bruno LE MAIRE – spoke out against the liberalisation of planting rights provided by the single CMO for 2015. EFOW welcomes the fact that after Chancellor Merkel’s statements, France Agriculture Minister takes the same position on this fundamental issue for the European wine sector with an appellation of origin.

The French Minister of Agriculture has taken a stance, during his visit on the 17th of April at the Concours des Grands Crus de France in Macon, against the issue of the liberalisation of the planting rights. On this occasion, Mr. LE MAIRE emphasized that “to guarantee the origin and the quality, it is out of the question to liberalise the planting rights”. With this assertion, France has taken a first position in favour of planting rights.

For Riccardo RICCI CURBASTRO, President of EFOW, “the position of Mr. LE MAIRE is a positive signal, a step towards calling into question the liberalisation of planting rights. Our concerns are starting to be heard and we welcome the fact that Germany and France, two pillars of the European decision making, are on our side”.

The wine sector with an appellation of origin is now waiting for concrete proposals from the European Commission. It is important to recall that the Commission remains silent on this issue, the European Parliament supports the regulation of the production and therefore the Member States will play a central role in the outcome of this issue.

Press Contact:

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After the German Chancellor, the French Minister speaks out against the liberalisation of planting rights