298 MILLION EUROS FOR THE WINE SECTOR IN 2010. NO OBJECTIONS FROM THE EU TO ITALY’S NATIONAL PLAN. MINISTER ZAIA: “GREAT SATISFACTION. 60 MILLION MORE THAN IN 2009”

Good news for the Italian wine sector: the European Union did not present objections to the national plan that was proposed by Italy for its wine sector within the expiration date set for objections of September 30. This means that the 298 million euros that were requested by the Ministry of Agriculture will be sanctioned by the EU.

Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Luca Zaia, was exultant because this significant sum means that there will be 60 million more euros available than in 2009. “It is a result of the hard work of this administration” – noted Zaia – “which has done its best in its role of coordination and confrontation with the regions in order to ensure full respect of EU regulations”.

The 298 million euros will be divided as follows: 98 million to finance the restructuring and conversion of vineyards, 35 million for the promotion of wines in other countries, 32 for the distillation of alcohol, 20 million for the distillation of sub-products, 50 for the use of concentrated musts, and 63 million euros for green harvests, harvest insurance and distillation during crises.