Concerns among farmers are intensifying following a year when a significant portion of the grape harvest went unpicked due to a lack of buyers. These concerns revolve around the farmers’ ability to withstand another difficult year characterized by limited market access, low grape prices—which remain at levels seen 25 years ago or even lower—and substantial increases in production costs. Additionally, there is a pronounced imbalance of power between producers, processors, and large export traders. This was outlined in a statement by the National Confederation of Agriculture (CNA).
Furthermore, the CNA emphasized the urgency of ending unnecessary exports in light of tariffs imposed on wine exports, particularly to the United States.
The CNA also criticized the lack of support measures, describing government efforts as mere propaganda.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has not implemented a single measure to directly address the dire situation of small grape growers in the Douro region to compensate for their substantial income losses,” the statement noted.
Farmers assert that wine-producing regions, especially the Douro, demand government attention through immediate and structural measures. These measures should include ending the liberalization of vine planting rights in the European Union and promoting exports.
