MEON Valley MP Flick Drummond has hosted an event in Westminster to support the British wine industry.
The recent event was in partnership with WineGB, the industry body that represents and supports the sustainable growth of the Great British wine sector.
Winegrowing is the UK’s fastest growing agricultural sector, employing around 2,300 people, with a predicted 50 per cent growth by 2025. A further 8,300 workers are employed in seasonal/part time work.
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Mrs Drummond is chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on wine and is a longstanding advocate of the growing industry as she has several vineyards in her constituency.
She said: “Many people are surprised to learn that in real terms we have 934 vineyards and 209 wineries in England and Wales – many of them producing award-winning wine.
“English sparkling wines are now considered outstanding internationally and we have 15 producers in Hampshire alone that are employing people and investing in our county and becoming tourist attractions too such as Hambledon and Raimes vineyards in Meon Valley.
“There are challenges and one of them is clearer labelling so consumers know the grapes and production of wine are all from the UK and not imported grapes but the progress over the last 20 or so years has been tremendous.”
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Chief executive of WineGB Nicola Bates added: “The support from Flick Drummond and the All-Party Group for Wines of Great Britain is hugely important. The sector is at a critical point in its journey.
“Partnership working with government can be impactful for growers and producers.
“As the fastest growing agricultural industry, with highly skilled jobs in the vineyards, wineries and cellar doors, we are levelling up the countryside. We look forward to shaping the regulatory and economic conditions that will enable our wines to thrive and to encourage more sales through tourism, retail, local hospitality and export.”
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