French Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Give Winegrowers Greater Say in Urban Planning

A new legislative proposal in France aims to address ongoing tensions between vineyard operations and nearby village residents, particularly in regions where agricultural and residential areas are closely intertwined. On January 26, Alsatian lawmaker Hubert Ott submitted a bill to the National Assembly that seeks to give winegrowers a stronger voice in local urban planning decisions and to protect their ability to adapt work schedules in response to climate change.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns from both wine producers and rural residents about the impact of changing agricultural practices. In many French wine regions, including Alsace, vineyards and villages are often located side by side. This proximity has led to disputes over noise, nighttime activity, and land use, especially as climate change forces growers to adjust their routines. For example, increased rainfall has pushed some vineyard treatments to early mornings or late evenings, sometimes even on weekends, creating friction with neighbors.

The first article of the proposed law would require that Organismes de Défense et de Gestion (ODG), which represent appellation winegrowers, be systematically included in the drafting of local urban planning documents. The goal is to ensure that these plans are developed collaboratively and that pressure from real estate development does not threaten agricultural land within protected designation of origin (AOC) zones.

The second article seeks to expand existing legal protections for farmers against complaints from neighbors about so-called “abnormal neighborhood disturbances.” Current law already shields longstanding agricultural activities from such complaints if they predate the arrival of new residents. The new measure would extend this protection to cover changes in farming practices driven by climate adaptation—such as harvesting grapes before dawn to preserve freshness—which can be noisy but are increasingly necessary.

Hubert Ott explained that tolerance is needed where homes and vineyards coexist. He cited Alsace as an example of a region where separating villages from vineyards would harm the landscape’s appeal and local economy. Instead, he advocates for mutual understanding and proactive conflict prevention by involving ODG representatives in local planning processes.

Raphaël Fattier, director of the National Confederation of AOC Winegrowers (CNAOC), welcomed the proposal. He said it finally connects land use, agricultural production, and territorial management—three elements he considers vital for the future of French viticulture. Fattier emphasized that ODGs should not be treated as peripheral actors in urban planning but as essential partners whose involvement can help sustain winegrowing activities within appellation areas.

Fattier also noted that more winegrowers are now required to work at night due to shifting weather patterns. This change in working hours has created legal uncertainty and increased the risk of lawsuits from neighbors disturbed by noise or other disruptions. He argued that clear legal protections are needed so growers can adapt without fear of litigation.

Ott hopes his bill will be debated and adopted during a parliamentary session scheduled for late March. He is working with other lawmakers to refine the text and build cross-party support. If passed quickly through an accelerated legislative process, similar to previous viticulture-related laws, the new rules could take effect soon. Ott said he wants to focus on practical issues relevant to rural communities while avoiding political polarization around wine industry concerns.

The proposed changes would amend specific articles in France’s Urban Planning Code and Rural Code. They would formally recognize ODGs’ role in urban planning for AOC areas and explicitly allow for adjustments in agricultural work hours due to climate change when considering neighborhood disturbance complaints. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by French lawmakers and industry groups to balance rural development, environmental adaptation, and community relations in some of the country’s most iconic wine regions.