Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Angela Burns MS, has urged the Welsh Government to make sure that Welsh wine producers do not miss out on Government financial support available to offset the impact on their business of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Angela used the opportunity to raise her concerns with the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs during a recent virtual meeting of the Welsh Parliament and highlighted to the Minister that wine tourism is estimated to contribute over £10 million a year to GDP, but Welsh wine producers are unable to access business rate relief, grants based on rateable values, the economic resilience fund, the employee furlough scheme or self employment income support.

A commitment was received from the Minister that she would look into individual cases where Vineyards were experiencing difficulty in accessing support.

Commenting Angela said: “The contribution of the wine industry to Wales is considerable and we are extremely lucky in West Wales to have some great Vineyards producing some excellent wines, however, like the majority of businesses, Covid-19 has had a major impact on this sector.

“Due to the unique nature of wine production and the business model of vineyards the majority do not qualify for any of the schemes that have been put in place by both the Westminster and Welsh Governments to help businesses survive these challenging times.

“I am pleased that the Minister has agreed to look at individual cases but I am disappointed that it has taken me raising this issue with the Welsh Government to get it onto their radar.

“It is vital that we support viable businesses whatever sector they operate in and ensure that less mainstream businesses do not miss out. It is especially important that local producers are supported at a time when we must look to be more self-sufficient as a nation.

“When lockdown ends I look forward to being able to visit some of our local vineyards and enjoy the fruits of their labour.”