Posted on 12/08/2004 2:24:09 PM PST by kupia_kummi
French wine exports are in their sixth successive year of decline. Thousands of winemakers have staged protests in the streets of France to demand government help over falling exports and a slump in domestic sales.
Demonstrators in Avignon, Bordeaux, Macon, Angers, Nantes and other towns rallied behind black-draped tractors.
They blame over-production, shrinking exports and a government campaign against alcohol abuse for what union leaders call a "crisis" in winemaking.
France's agriculture ministry said it would meet industry leaders next week.
The unions want the government to provide money for farmers wishing to move from vines to other crops and greater compensation for uprooting unprofitable vineyards.
They are also threatening legal action against a state advertising campaign to combat alcoholism which they say is unfairly hitting demand, although no decision has yet been taken.
A sign draped on a picking machine in Avignon read, "They want the winemakers' death", Reuters news agency said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
But it does not mattair! We seemplie do not care to drink their overprice u-rine.
I've just entered the wine world, and sure as hell will never buy French or German wine.
They forgot that the religion of their growing population forbids wine...
(I'll hick to that!)
Boo-hoo-hoo.
Or, is it "beau-heau-heau"?
Tell Ciraq and that pussy Foreign Minister your troubles!
Funny! Beau-heau-heau!
I like Missouri wines. Schoolhouse Red from St. James Winery is just a good all round dinner wine.
We also like the Aussie stuff.
"Overtime? What's that? 39 Hours?"
Good one! Overtime to them could simply be showing up for work.
You're probably right. A Frenchman working overtime? I doubt it.
"Your government caused these difficulties."
Just how did America's government cause these difficulties for you? Maybe you're right but I want to know who in our govt to thank.
Damn,
Dontcha all just feel real bad for all them frenchie wine farmers?
Merde formidable?
No problem :)
I agree with you then.
I didn't know that. We are mostly using rice vinegar these days. It is very good on salads.
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