The UK’s wine industry is set for a £1.5m investment injection following the department for environment, food and rural affairs supporting a new scheme.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay announced today (16 April) during the UK’s annual WineGB conference, that the government’s new Future Winemakers’ Scheme would boost the sector‘s future growth.
Among other features, the initiative is aimed to help develop skills and job opportunities in the sector and provide education and training for the next generation of viticulturists.
While businesses claim the new funding will enable thousands of new jobs in the wine-making sector, bolstering the industry and enabling the growth of new and existing brands.
Wines of Great Britain CEO Nicola Bates said: “The launch of this important educational fund is hugely significant and will ensure that we can train more British winemakers and viticulturists to staff our growing industry.
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“We are pleased that the Secretary of State has listened to our members to better understand the ways that the Government can support our sector at this pivotal point in our history.
The trade body chief executive added: “We are the fastest growing agricultural industry with 4,200 hectares under vine, which is forecast to rise by 85% by 2032. After a bumper harvest of almost 22 million bottles last year, we need greater backing to ensure sustainable and transformative growth.
The new funding comes alongside the government’s latest proposals for reforms in the wine industry, including new rules to make non and low alcohol wines to be produced and marketed as wine. Other proposals include a reform of regulation around the transportation of bulk wine, and the improvements to the labelling rules.
Environment secretary Steve Barclay said: “The UK has a long tradition of producing and trading wine, and the sector has significant scope to expand.
“Around 2,300 people work in the British wine industry with a further 8,300 people employed part time, with numbers expected to grow by 50% next year. We are proud of what British winemakers have achieved over recent years, and we continue to work hard in partnership with the wine sector to simplify the rules and bring in new financial support.”
