A campaign calling for more financial support to be given to small local vineyards is being supported by Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely.
Bob has joined MPs from across the country in calling on the Government to introduce a British Small Vineyard Relief.
If introduced, the scheme would see the freezing or lowering of duties on small vineyards such as those at Adgestone and Ryde.
The campaign is being led by Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake and hopes to repeat the success of the relief now offered to small breweries.
Bob said:
“Local vineyards are more than just producers of excellent wine, they are tourist attractions and employers who make a significant contribution to the Island’s economy.
“We are fortunate enough to have good growing conditions here on the Island – we need to add to that some practical support as well.
“Wine duty has risen by 39 per cent since 2010 and the UK pays 68 per cent of all wine duties across Europe and 43 per cent of sparkling wine duties. This is not helpful to the industry and we need to look at how we can support this sector.”
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Viva le Wight
Mmmmm, correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t both those island vineyards owned by a councillor???
Another get rich quick trick. Get grants to develop vineyards, add a few buildings for brewing, visitors gift shop, café, then, give it a couple of years, apply for ‘change of use’ of the land, which was originally green field, then brown field, to then easily become building land, sell up, make a fortune, then rinse-repeat.
Isn’t the Ryde vineyard already an ‘agreed’ building site