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Thousands of French Winegrowers Rally in Béziers as Crisis Deepens

Officials set a Nov. 24 meeting with sector leaders in response to demands for urgent cash aid alongside a new vine‑removal plan.

Overview

  • Between 4,000 and 7,000 producers marched in Béziers in a largely calm demonstration, according to the prefecture and organizers.
  • The Hérault prefect said a delegation will be received by the Agriculture Ministry on Nov. 24, the day before the Sitevi trade fair where Minister Annie Genevard is expected.
  • Unions presented a shared platform seeking immediate liquidity support, a 35,000‑hectare arrachage program, and stronger backing for international trade.
  • Sector leaders warn treasuries are exhausted as supermarket pricing power, foreign competition and regulatory constraints bite, with calls also voiced to ease advertising limits.
  • Heat and drought have slashed yields and sales have weakened at home and abroad, with 2025 production pegged at 36.2 million hectolitres, roughly matching last year’s low level.