demonstration in Hérault to express their distress in the face of the wine crisis

Grape growers facing declining grape consumption, economic hardship as well as climate peril demonstrated on Saturday in Béziers.

More than 6,000 people are expected to attend the grape growers’ demonstration scheduled for Saturday, November 15, in Béziers in Hérault. Grape growers want to defend their profession which has been hit by crises, especially the consumer crisis.

The French are actually drinking less than they used to. From 120 liters of wine per year per French person in the 1960s, consumption increased to 40 liters. The trend is to spend less time at the desk. Delicious alcoholic drinks are favored at dinner. Thus, consumption of white wine and sparkling wine is maintained but red wine no longer finds buyers.

If until now the export market and France’s reputation allowed the sale of production, the United States and China are in the process of closing. Therefore, the grape crisis is intensifying in Bordeaux and also in Occitanie, France’s largest vineyard with 260,000 hectares which is also facing drought. Yields are falling and impoverishing Occitan grape farmers, who are among the lowest income groups in the sector. The demonstration that occurred in Béziers is also evidence of the wine rebellion of 1907, which at that time was experiencing a crisis of overproduction.

This is why there is a repeal plan. Public assistance was provided to reduce the surface area of ​​the vines in response to the market decline. The aim is to help grape growers so that they are not tempted to abandon entire fields, which could lead to the emergence of diseases such as fungus. Last year, 27,000 hectares of land were uprooted. Grape growers receive 4,000 euros per hectare. All vineyards are eligible but unsurprisingly, demand is concentrated in the south of France.

The industry is calling for a new plan for this year that would include an additional 34,000 hectares. These are the results of a survey conducted by state services among prospective grape growers to estimate the scope. The ministry still has to negotiate with Brussels because it was the European Commission that validated the plan.

Operators can also filter out excess wine. The crisis has resulted in stocks driving prices down. Therefore, grape farmers can turn grapes into pure alcohol for industry or health. This system is not new but is highly monitored.

The emergency measures, according to representatives of the sector, will provide assistance to grape cultivation which employs half a million people in France directly and indirectly.