“We are tearing away our heritage“. This cry from the heart is signed Damien Gilles, president of the Union of Côtes du Rhône winegrowers (50,000 ha for 4,500 members), while the wine industry is at a turning point in its history.
In fact, the grubbing figures have fallen. FranceAgriMer has just announced that the system concerns 1,017 hectares in Vaucluse compared to 27,000 for the whole of France. 328 files were thus registered with the ministry in the department. A limited volume, a sign that winegrowers still have resources. “We firmly believe that we have our place, without being lulled by sweet illusions“, proclaims Damien Gilles. No information has yet been communicated on the profile of the winegrowers participating in this operation.
In any case, there are so many professionals who, in exchange for 4,000 euros per hectare, forever lose their authorization to plant vines, on the site in question or in any other area. In any case, if they wish to expand again, they will have to put other plots on hold. Because the goal is indeed to limit consumption to cope with market erosion. Among the farmers involved in this dynamic, “there are those who pull to stop the bleeding“, indicates Thierry Vaute, president of Vignerons Indépendants de Vaucluse. In France, 8,000 wine growers will end their activity in 2025, including several dozen in our department.
“Young people lose interest, the past fades away”
This system, the result of arduous negotiations for three years with the government, sounds like a “bitter victory“for an entire sector.”Especially considering the paltry sum obtained in relation to the sacrifice, it is not a high price to payunderlines Damien Gilles. Given all the efforts we have made, we would have liked more funding. We are the ones who structure the landscape and participate in the local economy.“.
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A lot of resentment therefore, but also the awareness of the obvious, to face the de-consumption of red wine, constituting the first production segment in Vaucluse. “Our vineyard is no longer adequate and we have always made the necessary decisions“, says the specialist, pointing out the inequity between the margins, from one link in the sector to the other: “If the price of wine were fair, there would be no need for grubbing up. However, there are only two actors who spit, the producer and the consumer“.
A heavy atmosphere plunging new generations into absolute doubt. “Young people lose interest, the past fades away“, regrets Damien Gilles, wanting despite everything to keep his head held high. “We believe in it, we have to believe in it. We must be supported so that we can regain our economic power. We are recognized around the world. We are expected in many markets“.
Also read: “To emerge from the crisis, it will take courage and lucidity,” says the Côtes-du-Rhône winegrowers’ union.
As for the plots that will soon be cleared of their stumps, it is still difficult to know what future is promised to them. It is far too early to determine their new uses. “It will take time to get anything else going. In any case, cash will be needed “, recalls Thierry Vaute. Which for the moment, is absolutely not the case.
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