The Minister of Agriculture, José Manuel Fernandes, announced on the sidelines of AgroSemana, in Póvoa de Varzim, that the Government will guarantee financial support directly to Douro producers, as an immediate measure to reduce losses for those who failed to sell their grape production during the harvest. The minister stated that "not giving up on the Douro means supporting the producer," without anticipating details of the initiative that will be announced by the prime minister.
The minister's reaction comes a day after producers dumped about 300 kilos of grapes in front of the headquarters of the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto, in Peso da Régua, in a symbolic protest against the difficulties in selling production. The difficulties worsened during the current harvest, with producers reporting problems finding buyers, both for grapes intended for DOC Douro wines and for the quantity covered by the benefit for Port wine production.
In addition to immediate support, José Manuel Fernandes stated that he is working with the Ministry of Finance on a 110 million euro credit line for cooperatives and companies that have outstanding debts to producers. Access to this financing will be conditional on the history of the beneficiary entities, with only those who have not imported wine in the last three years being able to access the credit line.
The minister also highlighted the understanding between trade and production for conducting an independent study, by a university, aimed at determining the real cost of producing a kilo of grapes, aiming to prevent sales below that value and promote written contracts. José Manuel Fernandes noted that the activity of winegrowers ensures a "public good" that contributes to the preservation and tourist attractiveness of the Douro, through cruises and wine tourism.
