Dresden (dpa / sn) – Saxony wants to make viticulture in the Free State thrive better. This is served by a concept presented by Agriculture Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) on Wednesday in the state parliament. It contains suggestions as to how the winegrowing in the Elbe valley, which is characterized by steep slopes, can be improved. At the same time, the paper lists numerous problems. It was said that they had caused steep slopes to lie fallow and dry stone walls to collapse. For the most part, the area under cultivation is cultivated by small or very small winegrowers with a high average age. Many of them would not have a successor. The number of hobby winemakers has fallen from 3,500 in recent years to around 1,500 to 1,700.
“Viticulture, especially with its steep slopes, has shaped the landscape of the Elbe Valley for centuries. It serves the economy, tourism and identification with the region. And it creates living spaces,” explained Günther. Sustainable protection and management of the steep slopes and higher productivity are necessary, taking into account climate change and market requirements. The industry must network better with actors from culture, gastronomy and tourism. Günther referred to funding opportunities, for example for the rehabilitation of vineyard walls and the management of steep slopes.
According to Deputy Valentin Lippmann (Greens), the industry is facing major challenges due to climate change. “phylloxera, sunburn, esca, grape berry moth and previously unknown diseases and pests are causing problems for winegrowers and require new crop protection strategies. We want to help them switch to low-chemical or chemical-free crop protection and expand the advice and support services in this area .” In addition, one wants to inspire even more winegrowers for organic viticulture.
With an area of ??just under 500 hectares, the Saxony growing region is one of the smallest in Germany. The 55 km long wine route in the Elbe valley stretches from Pirna via Dresden and Radebeul to Meissen. The main varieties are Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Pinot Blanc for white wine, and Pinot Noir and Dornfelder for red wine.
