The allocation of new planting authorizations in the wine-growing region of the Alentejo can reach 800 hectares (ha) this year for the production of wines with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which are the most valuable for companies.

In total, the maximum area of ​​new vineyards to be allocated to producers may amount to 1,916 hectares in 2018, according to an order signed by the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food, Luís Vieira, which defines the rules and criteria for eligibility and and administrative procedures to be followed in the distribution of permits for new plantings.

Alluding to the "good performance of national exports" - in 2017 they rose by 7.5% to a new record of 778 million euros - and to the "growing recognition and international recognition of the identity and quality" of national wines, combined with "the prospects for a gradual rise in demand "globally, the Government believes that" it is important to provide the wine sector with an incentive to increase supply capacity ".

Pointing out that, by planting new vines, it is "[to] increase the scale gains of companies already established in the sector, as well as the entry of new winegrowers", the Executive has defined the maximum limits for planting authorizations in geographical areas delimited by PDO or PGI.

The applications, which will give priority to young producers, must be submitted on the website of the Vine and Wine Information System between 1 April and 15 May, and the decision will be communicated to the candidates by 1 August. If the authorization granted is less than 50% of the area applied for, the producer may refuse it within one month without any administrative penalty.

For more information consult the dispatch already published in Diário da República here.