FAS COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS SHOULD BE CREATED FOR DEVELOPING FARMER WINE-MAKING IN RUSSIA

The Don and Volga Wine-Makers Union discussed the problems facing the wine-making industry at a Conference in the Rostov region

Head of FAS Fiscal Control Department, Vladimir Mishelovin, his Deputy – Natalia Isaeva, and Deputy Head of FAS Legal Department, Oksana Kuznetsova, participated in the event that took place in Azov and joined together attendees from the regions where climatic conditions are created for growing vines and wine-making – Crimea, the Krasnodar, Rostov and Volgograd regions.

The Conference discussed a number of pressing issues related to developing small forms of viticulture and wine-making in Russia, creating conditions for small and micro-enterprises on vine growing and producing high-quality Russian wine that would allow them to not only survive but also develop and compete with large producers and importers.

Vladimir Mishelovin emphasized:

“The state is certainly interested in developing Russian agriculture that also includes viticulture. The National Competition Development Plan and the National Project provide for support and development of small and medium business; measures are specified to offer direct and efficient assistance to small, often family enterprises.  It is essential that these measures do not remain just on paper. The authorities at both the federal and regional levels understand the needs of agricultural producers, including wine-growers and makers. FAS is ready to give any help to those who especially need it – small companies that sometimes lack own resources to defend their interests. State aid and support are required, first of all, to small business. And first urgent assistance must be provided to them to entry the legal level of operations”.

Deputy Chairman of the “Don and Volga Wine-Makers Union” self-regulated organization Alexei Sklyarov believes that farmers – wine-makers should unite their efforts to defend their interests. Putting regulation of small wine-making companies under a separate Article in the draft law on wine-making can become an important step towards developing farmer wine-making industry. The draft law will be soon considered in the second reading by the State Duma. Alexei Sklyarov informed the Conference that a statement was sent to the Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the challenges facing the wine-making industry in Russia.

The wine-makers who took part at the conference voted unanimously for expanding the geography of the work of the “Don and Volga Wine-Makers Union”, renaming it “Small Wine-Growers and Wine-Makers of Russia”.