Unió de Pagesos calls for a count and orderly uprooting of vineyards in Valls and the Camp de Tarragona

Unió de Pagesos calls for urgent measures to reduce the stock of grapes and balance supply and demand in the face of the drop in global wine consumption.
Pagesos reunits debatent l’arrencada ordenada de vinyes a Valls i el Camp de Tarragona en resposta a la demanda de recompte — Imagen de la Fuente
Farmers gathered debate the orderly uprooting of vineyards in Valls and the Camp de Tarragona in response to the demand for replanting — Image from the Source

Unió de Pagesos calls for a thorough vineyard census and an orderly uprooting to save the wine sector of Catalonia. This request comes at a time when overproduction and the decline in global wine consumption threaten the sustainability of local farmers.

The situation is of particular concern to farmers in the Camp de Tarragona, where grape stock has skyrocketed and measures to balance the market must be urgently taken.

The challenge of grape stock in Catalonia

Why is it crucial to carry out a vineyard census?

Having an updated registry of vineyards allows understanding the reality of the crop and adjusting supply to demand, an essential step to avoid the excess grapes suffocating the market.

Without this information, any action to rebalance the sector will be a shot in the dark, and this could endanger many farmers who depend exclusively on wine.

How does this situation affect farmers in the Camp de Tarragona?

The farmers of Valls and the rest of the region suffer the direct consequences of accumulated stock: falling prices and difficulties maintaining the viability of their farms.

Unió de Pagesos has taken this concern to the regional Agricultural offices, seeking an immediate and forceful response.

The request for a social and orderly uprooting

What does a social and orderly uprooting of vineyards mean?

It involves a planned and agreed removal of vineyards to adjust production to actual demand, avoiding abrupt measures that could generate social and economic conflicts.

The union argues that this uprooting must be fair and respectful to the affected farmers to ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

What are the main reasons explaining this crisis?

The decline in global wine consumption, climate change, and geopolitical tensions have reduced demand and, therefore, caused an overproduction that the market cannot absorb.

For this reason, coordinated action is necessary to balance the situation and prevent more farmers from being trapped in a saturated market.

Impact and outlook for the local wine sector

How is the initiative perceived within the agricultural community?

The initiative by Unió de Pagesos has gained notable support among farmers who see in these measures a hope to reverse the crisis.

However, there are reservations due to fears of losing arable land and uncertainties regarding economic compensation.

What actions are expected from the Department of Agriculture?

Farmers have delivered a letter to the regional Agricultural offices in El Vendrell, Falset, Valls, Gandesa, and Tàrrega, demanding clear measures and an immediate action plan.

The institutional response will mark the sector’s future, as it is necessary to establish a regulatory framework that allows managing the problem effectively.

Aspect Detail
Vineyard census Measure to know the real extent and adjust supply
Orderly uprooting Planned removal to avoid conflicts and guarantee social justice
Causes of the crisis Decline in consumption, climate change, and geopolitical factors
Affected areas Camp de Tarragona, Valls, El Vendrell, Falset, Gandesa, Tàrrega

Source of the article: Mar Rovira | ACN