France to relax vineyard planting rules

France will relax the current rules and regulations surrounding vineyard plantings when they come to an end in December.

The EU-wide regulations come to an end on 31 December this year but during the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy in 2013, France obtained a new authorization system which will come into force from 1 January 2016.

The new dispensation relaxes the rules governing new plantings across all regions and all wine types whether AOC, IGP or VSIG.

Wineries will still have to seek dispensation before planting, re-planting or converting vineyards but there will be no fee.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries, each year France allows new plantings of up to 1% of the existing surface area under vine. Under the new regulations authorisation for new plantings will be given or withheld on the basis of commercial success or over-production.

Furthermore, vineyards planted for non-commercial use such as experiments or family consumption, nurseries and replanting of vineyards lost after being appropriated for other uses are exempted from the new regulations.