95% of French Wine Producers Back Producer Organizations Amid Government Stalemate

During a parliamentary debate on January 7 at the National Assembly in Paris, the issue of creating Producer Organizations (OP) for the French wine sector was raised again. Mathilde Feld, a deputy from Gironde representing La France Insoumise, questioned Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard about the lack of progress on this matter. Feld pointed out that the wine industry is still waiting for the Egalim 4 law and a decree to establish OPs, which she said has broad support within the profession. She referenced repeated and cross-party appeals for action.

Minister Genevard responded by highlighting ongoing divisions within the wine sector. She explained that while cooperatives support the creation of OPs, independent winegrowers remain strongly opposed. Genevard stated that the government is asking the industry to continue negotiations to reach an agreement. She emphasized that any decree would only be prepared if there is collective approval from all parts of the profession.

Genevard’s position was consistent with her recent comments in an interview with Vitisphere, where she said she is open to preparing a decree on OPs as long as it has unified backing from the sector. Regarding Egalim 4, she noted that requests from the wine industry are being considered as part of broader discussions on updating the law, but no timeline has been set for these deliberations.

The debate reflects growing impatience among some in Bordeaux and other wine-producing regions. Feld argued that guaranteeing a minimum price for wine is essential to ensure fair compensation for producers. Genevard replied that while a floor price is important, there is a risk it could become a ceiling price, which is a fundamental concern in these discussions.

Bernard Farges, president of both the National Committee of Wine Interprofessions (CNIV) and the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), recently expressed frustration over delays in issuing the decree. He noted that 95 percent of French wine producers support this measure and stressed that it would not require any additional state funding.

However, the Independent Winegrowers of France have voiced concerns that OPs could become the sole or primary recipients of European subsidies in the future. Farges dismissed these fears as unfounded, arguing that making OPs exclusive beneficiaries is neither intended nor necessary and would be counterproductive. He suggested that this issue could be resolved easily if all parties are willing to work together and if the minister invites stakeholders to finalize adjustments needed for the decree.

The debate over OPs in French wine production highlights ongoing tensions between different groups within the industry and underscores broader questions about how best to support producers amid changing market conditions and regulatory frameworks. The government’s insistence on unanimity before moving forward means that any formal recognition of Producer Organizations will depend on further negotiations and consensus-building within the sector. For now, both sides remain at the table, but no clear resolution appears imminent.