Some principles I observed in France seem particularly pertinent to Australia, especially given the current state of our Grape and Wine Industry.
The French approach to regional regulation – controlling both variety selection and yield – serves a dual purpose that caught my attention.
It not only protects the integrity of each region’s terroir but also prevents market oversupply, a challenge we’re all too familiar with here.
Perhaps most notably, these regulations extend to crop values, offering growers a level of financial security that’s sadly absent in Australia.
Here, it’s invariably the grape grower who ends up with the rough end of the pineapple – a situation that demands serious reflection from our industry leaders.
The French model, while not perfect, demonstrates how regulatory frameworks can support both quality and sustainability.