Tuscany secures record funding for wine sector as budget rises to 30.48 million euros for 2024-2025

The budget available to Tuscan winegrowers has increased again, reaching 30.48 million euros for the 2024/2025 financial year. This new figure follows a recent allocation of an additional 1.01 million euros, made possible by unspent funds from other Italian regions under the National Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (PAC) for the wine sector. Earlier this year, in March, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests had already raised Tuscany’s budget by 1.6 million euros, bringing it from 27.87 million to 29.47 million euros.

The latest increase allows Tuscany to further support its wine sector, which is a key part of the region’s economy and international reputation. The funds will be used specifically for vineyard restructuring and conversion projects. These projects are designed to help wine producers modernize their vineyards, adapt to market demands, and improve competitiveness.

Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany Region, said this new injection of resources will be used to cover applications for vineyard restructuring and conversion that could not be funded previously due to lack of resources. He emphasized that this is the second time this year that Tuscany has been able to take advantage of additional funds made available at the national level.

Stefania Saccardi, vice president and regional councilor for agri-food, explained that these resources are crucial for making Tuscan wineries more competitive. She noted that the funds will go directly to support interventions aimed at restructuring and converting vineyards, which are essential for maintaining high standards in production and responding to changing conditions in both domestic and international markets.

The regional government will now instruct Artea, the regional paying agency, to begin the necessary procedures for distributing these funds to eligible winegrowers. The process is expected to move quickly so that producers can implement their projects without delay.

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most important wine-producing regions, known worldwide for its Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and many other prestigious wines. The region’s vineyards cover tens of thousands of hectares and support thousands of jobs in rural areas.

The additional funding comes at a time when many wine producers are facing challenges related to climate change, evolving consumer preferences and increased competition from other regions and countries. By investing in vineyard renewal and innovation, Tuscany aims to maintain its leadership in quality wine production and ensure long-term sustainability for its growers.

The decision to allocate unspent national funds to regions like Tuscany reflects a broader effort by Italian authorities to maximize the impact of European agricultural policies at the local level. It also highlights the importance placed on supporting traditional sectors such as viticulture while encouraging adaptation and modernization.

Winegrowers who applied for restructuring and conversion support but were previously left out due to budget constraints will now have access to these new resources. The regional administration expects this will lead to a significant number of new projects being launched across Tuscany’s wine country in the coming months.

As procedures move forward, local officials are urging producers to stay informed about eligibility requirements and deadlines for accessing these funds. The region remains committed to supporting its wine sector as it navigates both current challenges and future opportunities in a rapidly changing global market.