Tough times boost vineyard farming resilience
The German state of Baden-Württemberg launched the Immediate Program for Viticulture in January 2025, aiming to provide short-term relief for businesses and create reliable framework conditions for the future.
The program, initiated by the Minister of Food, Rural Areas, and Consumer Protection, combines support measures from the European Union and the federal government with state-owned measures. One of the key initiatives is the increase in subsidies for manual vineyard work, a move that will benefit many winegrowers.
The Promotion of the Wuerttemberg Wine Industry through a project of the European Innovation Partnership is another example of the support measures. This project aims to promote the region's wine industry and improve its competitiveness on a global scale.
Vineyard parcels with a slope of 30 percent or more, which were previously excluded from funding, will again be included in the program. This decision will help smaller vineyard owners who often struggle with the challenges of steep slopes.
The care and management of small and smallest areas will be supported starting from 2026. This includes the funding for the environmentally friendly method of controlling the grapevine moth using pheromones, which has been doubled from 100 euros per hectare to 200 euros per hectare.
The Weintourismus can provide additional income for winegrowers and promote wine sales. In line with this, Baden-Württemberg currently supports and accompanies three tourism projects in the country to further develop wine region attractions for visitors.
The 2025 vintage started promisingly with mild temperatures and sufficient rainfall. Despite fluctuating weather conditions until April, the subsequent flowering went smoothly. A heatwave in June and hail damage in July had only limited effects on the vineyards.
Overall, the vineyards are in an excellent state of health, boding well for an outstanding 2025 vintage. The state government plans to expand the Förderprogramm für Agrarumwelt, Klimaschutz und Tierwohl (FAKT II) from 2026 onwards to support further wine-growing slopes and small structures.
The state is also expanding the promotion of the Multi-peril insurance to include damage from hail. This move will provide much-needed protection for winegrowers against unpredictable weather conditions.
The aim of the Immediate Program for Viticulture is to support the wine industry in Baden-Württemberg, ensuring its continued growth and success. With these new measures, the state is demonstrating its commitment to the region's vineyards and the people who work them.
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