The meeting in Peso da Régua, Vila Real district, concluded without a decision on the amount of must each producer can convert into Port wine for the 2025 harvest. Viticulturists are concerned about a potential reduction in this critical revenue source for the Douro Demarcated Region.
An increase in benefit is a primary demand set to be presented at the demonstration scheduled for Wednesday in Régua, organized by the National Confederation of Agriculture (CNA) and its affiliate, the Association of Viticulturists and Family Agriculture of Douro (Avadouriense).
Last year, the IVDP interprofessional set the benefit value at 90,000 casks (550 liters each), 14,000 fewer than in 2023 (104,000 casks).
There was a lack of consensus within the organization, with commercial representatives advocating for further reduction and producers proposing an increase.
After the meeting, no statements were made to the press; however, a new date for the interprofessional meeting was announced for July 18.
Besides the IVDP president, representing the state, the interprofessional council includes two vice-presidents and representatives of production and commerce, divided between two specialized sections (Port and Douro).
The benefit value results from a multidisciplinary analysis of various scenarios, such as wine sales, company stocks, or harvest forecasts.
In recent years, operators have complained about wine sales declines and full stocks, while viticulturists lament the low prices they receive for grapes and increasing difficulties in selling the fruit.
Some Douro producers have already received letters canceling grape orders for this year.
Apart from increasing the benefit quantity, Wednesday’s protest aims to demand outlets for grapes at fair prices, prohibit grape purchases below production cost, prioritize regional brandy in making Port wine, increase scrutiny of incoming musts and wines from outside the region, and the state’s purchase of surplus stocks from cooperative wineries.
