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Why did the Youth Group decide to talk about the European lobby?
- Whatever is said today.
- Many decisions are taken at Community level.
- Especially decisions that have a direct impact on the French wine industry.
- Within the Youth Group.
- We thought it was important to look back on the way European work.
- And in particular with regard to lobbies.
- In order to overcome the prejudices that winemakers may have about this mechanism that seems obscure.
- But is actually institutionalised.
How is the GDJ concerned?
It seems clear to us that today’s thoughts and decisions will apply tomorrow, so young winemakers will have to apply and work with these decisions on a day-to-day basis, so we want to be proactive on this issue, let us not forget that these decisions will impact our farms and our wine careers. We have to co-build.
What is the position of the GDJ in relation to lobbies?
We are aware of the games of influence in the European system, which is why we would like a sector at all levels (European Parliament, Council of Ministers, European Commission). We are aware that ultra-liberal lobbies advocating deregulation, hygienic consumer associations or health are already occupying the ground. Sectors of AOC, such as Champagne, which generates added value, cannot and should not deprive themselves of levers of action, such as the lobby, to control their future.
What message does the JG want to convey?
Given the importance of our sector in the French and European trade balance, we are convinced that we must have the means worthy of that name, in order to be heard and influence decisions that go against the sustainability of our model.
As a reminder, the sectoral meetings of the Group of Young Winemakers of Champagne will take place from 26 to 30 March 2018 Economic situation, renegotiation of the interprofessional agreement, planting quotas, elections of new members of the Board of Directors, this is a busy program!
All winemakers between the age of 18 and 35, as well as the elderly, are invited to participate in the sectoral meetings of the Youth Group (see this table for more details).