France, Bayrou Government Ministers appointed: Annie Genevard confirmed as Agriculture Minister

France starts again. Between news and confirmations, 34 Ministers were appointed yesterday, equally divided between men and women, for the new French Government led by Premier François Bayrou, with the first Council of Ministers expected on January 3rd. Among the confirmations there is also the name of Annie Genevard at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty (while “of Forests” is eliminated from the title of the ministry, effectively “acquired” by Agnès Pannier-Runacher who becomes Minister of Ecological Transition , Biodiversity, Forests, Sea and Fisheries). Appointed last September 21st in the “short” government of Michel Barnier, Genevard, a member of the Republican party and, already in the past, among other things, mayor of Morteau, a few kilometers from Dijon and Burgundy, had to face numerous “hot” issues that have characterized the sector, starting with those linked to the world of wine, which has long been grappling with known problems which have also resulted in tensions and protests, especially in Bordeaux, but not only. However, during the three months with Genevard at the Ministry, some news also arrived, such as the awaited closure of the FranceAgriMer teleprocedure for the definitive eradication of French vines, which, however, did not take off as expected. The last significant measure, dating back to the previous Executive, arrived a few weeks ago with help to farmers with subsidized loans. Agriculture and the world of wine are asking for stability (this is the fourth Government in a year) and Annie Genevard's confirmation may prove to be the best choice to update the announced measures as soon as possible.
Furthermore, there is no shortage of requests from the sector as reported by the French online magazine Vitisphere: from the issue of temporary eradication to obtaining the balance of 40 million euros for aid for definitive eradication; from the rapid implementation of short-term lending programs and the restructuring of bank debt to the creation of a new emergency wine fund in the face of climate risks linked to the poor 2024 harvest; from aid for the restructuring of cooperative cellars to support in the face of geopolitical tensions (Chinese taxes on Cognac, new customs duties promised by American President Donald Trump), without forgetting support for exports for commercial development around the world.
Genevard's confirmation was also commented on by the Fnsea trade union: “during her first mandate – explained President Arnaud Rousseau – the Minister ensured that she was able to maintain the Government's commitments. Today this is no longer enough, it must now exert all its weight within the new Government to respect the calendar of the announced and expected legislative texts and must start, from the beginning, the translation into simplification acts and monetary emergency measures, health and climate”.
Nathalie Delattre remains in the Government, but with another role, and therefore as Minister delegate responsible for Tourism at the Ministry of Economy, who, in the previous executive, held the position of head of Relations with Parliament. Tourism and wine are two themes that go hand in hand in a country with great tradition and beauty like France, with its maisons, iconic places and breathtaking views, a “combination” that generates significant revenue. Delattre, former secretary of the Radical party, knows the world of wine very well, being also a producer, since 2003, with the small winery Domaine Bellevue, in Langoiran, in New Aquitaine, in the Girondeand in the past holding the role of co-president of the Association Nationale des élus de la Vigne et du Vin (Anev), as well as the position of deputy mayor of Bordeux and senator, with a profuse commitment in various battles in support of the French wine sector . “I am honored – Minister Nathalie Delattre commented on Facebook – to continue my commitment with Eric Lombard (Minister of Economy, ed.) in Bercy, as Minister delegate responsible for Tourism, an important sector of our economy and the valorisation of our heritage French”.