in ,

Special wine tax to be abolished

The abolishment of the recently enforced, special tax on wine (EFK), within the year, was announced by the Minister for Agricultural Growth and Food, Vangelis Apostolou, noting that wine is at the cutting edge of our exports and we must “do whatever we can to support it”.
“We have imposed a tax on wine as a result of the country’s tight budgetary conditions and pressures, applied by our lenders, which soon, before the end of the year, will be abolished. This will happen, following the conciliation and assurance we will have from the Treasury,” he added, speaking at a one-day conference held by the Association of Wineries of the region of Drama.
Referring to the potential of strengthening for wine producers, Mr. Apostolos outlined the Ministerial plan for restructuring and conversion of vineyards, which aims at increasing the competitiveness of wine-growing enterprises through:
– The qualitative upgrading of the wine-growing potential
– The establishment of vine varieties with increased commercial interest
– The introduction of modern cultivation techniques and the preservation and protection of the environment.
As he said, the financial support for someone who complies all the actions required, (root removal – replanting – improving management techniques) starts at 1,262 € / str and reaches up to 1,846 € / str.
Mr. Apostolou also referred to specific operational programs or specific wine promotion programs initiatives, and directed at non-european countries. Alongside these actions, the export orientation of Greek wines is being constantly promoted, with the search for new outlets in new markets, which strengthens both local the local and National economy.