EU to Extend Support for Wine, Fruit, and Vegetable Sectors, Reports Reuters

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it will enhance support and extend existing measures for the wine, fruit, and vegetable sectors, which have been adversely affected by spring frosts, floods, and heatwaves this year.

Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski noted that the challenges facing these sectors have compounded the difficulties experienced during 2020 amid the COVID-19 crisis.

"These essential support measures will provide relief for producers across the EU during these challenging times, in addition to those already implemented in 2020 and extended in 2021," he stated.

For the wine industry, the EU’s budget contribution to harvest insurance has been raised to 80% from 70%, and the funding for establishing mutual funds has been doubled.

Regarding fruit and vegetable producers, the EU will offer compensation to producer organizations of at least 85% of last year’s production levels, even if this year’s value is lower. This compensation applies if production drops by at least 35% compared to the previous year due to natural disasters, climate events, plant diseases, or pest infestations.

The Commission had previously provided support to the wine sector, including increased funding for vineyard conversion and green harvesting initiatives in 2020. Additional measures have also benefitted fruit and vegetable producers.

These "flexibility measures" will be extended until October 15, 2022, according to the Commission’s announcement.