Industry supports the decision to walk away from EU FTA

Australian Grape & Wine Chief Executive, Lee McLean has commended the resolve of Trade Minister Don Farrell in walking away from a free trade deal with the European Union.

Labelling it as the “right decision” in his statement, McLean said, “We are fully supportive of the Australian Government’s decision to step away from ongoing negotiations rather than accept a deal that is not in the interest of Australian prosecco producers or the broader agricultural sector.

“Any outcome that sought to reduce our existing market access would be detrimental to our burgeoning prosecco industry and contrary to the intent of a free trade agreement which seeks to increase market access and remove trade barriers. Australian prosecco producers just want to retain the right to use ‘prosecco’ as a grape variety in both our domestic and international markets.”

Brown Brothers Winemaker Katherine Brown has been at the forefront of the #SaveAussieProsecco campaign, along with many other Australian prosecco producers.

With an industry thatʼs worth over $205 million alone, Katherine said that this is a big win for all of the Australian wine industry, which stems far beyond the prosecco variety.

“The fight to keep the prosecco name has seen producers from across Australia come together; itʼs a true testament to the collaboration of our wine industry.

“It means so much for producers and by continuing our pursuit to keep the usage of the prosecco name in Australia, future winemaking generations will have the freedom to use all grape varieties and can continue to innovate or work with new varieties.”

Australian Grape & Wine commended the efforts of Minister Farrell, Minister Watt, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the team of negotiators from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who have dedicated themselves to the negotiations.

After pressure from both the Australian meat and wine industry, the EU free trade agreement was not progressed as it was decided it was not in the best interest for Australia nationally. Farrell has indicated that negotiations for a fairer EU FTA will continue to seek a mutually beneficial solution that will enhance opportunities for both European and Australian markets.

Image credit: iStock.com/Alina Rosanova