Emma McClarkin MEP sides with Cider producers at Leicestershire Vineyard

East Midlands MEP Emma McClarkin visited Welland Valley Vineyard near Market Harborough on Monday, where she listened to their concerns about the future of small cider producers.

Welland Valley Vineyard was established by David and Jane Bates in 1991, and a wide variety of both red and white French and German vine varieties are grown. They also have a small but well equipped winery which enables the grapes to be pressed, vinified and bottled on site.

As well as producing wines, they also have a small orchard of traditional cider apples from which they make award winning ciders called Roundhead and King Richard III.

Earlier this year, the EU Commission ordered the UK government to end its forty-year tax break for small cider producers. It means that producers who make 33 pints or less a day will have to pay duty of up to £2700 a year.

Miss McClarkin visited the Vineyard to talk to them about the EU Commission’s ruling, and to hear for herself the effects it will have on small producers like David and Jane.

She said:

“David and Jane have clearly put a lot of work into making their winery and cider business work, but the EU’s interference could really hit them hard. It was good to meet with them to discuss the possible ramifications to their business, and I hope that we can persuade the EU Commission to reverse their decision. After all, what could be better than English wines and ciders produced right here in the heart of the East Midlands?

“Our cider heritage needs protecting, and burdening these producers with more red tape and more tax will only harm the industry.

“There is some good news though, as the Commission has opened a public consultation on this, which they rarely do unless they are willing to change their stance. I’d encourage all cider producers to respond to the consultation, by visiting www.tinyurl.com/saveourcider”

David said:

“Small cider makers have all the overheads of bigger producers but none of the economies of scale, which is why they need the current exemption from excise duty to remain viable.”

People can also sign a petition against the order, by visiting www.ciderduty.com