Zelensky urges government to focus on issues of domestic winemakers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Office says the head of state urged the government to pay special attention to small-scale production in the field of viticulture and winemaking, when visiting Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine.

"During a working trip to Zakarpattia region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with top managers and owners of leading companies, members of the Z 100 club, in order to hear from business representatives problematic issues that need to be addressed," the press service of the President's Office said on September 25.

Head of the Zakarpattia Union of Private Winegrowers and Winemakers Oleksandr Kovach spoke about the barriers to the development of family winemaking. In particular, the condition for the creation of a family farm is the availability of a land plot of 2 hectares.

Read alsoForecasts released for 2020 grain, legumes harvestGiven the scarcity of land in the region, not every small farmer has the opportunity to own or rent 2 hectares or more of agricultural land.

New holiday

On September 25, 2020, Zelensky signed a decree to establish a new official holiday in Ukraine, namely Winegrower and Winemaker's Day.