“Wine lodges need to start paying their farmers a sensible price for their crops,” said Humberto Vasconcelos, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development this afternoon. His response came after he was questioned by reporters about fears that grape producers are being squeezed out of the market due to poverty and lack of agricultural space.
“If farmers received a fair price for their grapes, then I think the sector would not only remain stable but have all the conditions for growth.” He explained that over the last few years, grape growers have been paid a pittance, and if the industry is to survive something has to be done to ensure that valuable grape growing land isn’t turned over to housing projects or abandoned.
“Only if farmers are paid fairly will they feel that their efforts are worthwhile!”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
