Sicilian cooperative associations welcome new development incentives

Regional cooperative associations in Sicily, including AGCI, Confcooperative, Legacoop, UNCI, and Unicoop, have expressed satisfaction following the Sicilian Regional Assembly's approval of the '+Cooperazione' measure. This regulation, proposed by Assessor Tamajo, is intended to promote development incentives for Sicilian cooperatives.

The associations welcomed the allocation of resources toward the cereal and fishing sectors, as well as relief for rising fuel costs. However, they expressed deep concern regarding the removal of an article intended to support the wine sector. They noted that Sicilian wineries account for 70% of regional production and are vital to tens of thousands of farmers facing crises driven by climate change and declining consumption.

In response, member wineries held a meeting on October 22 to advocate for immediate measures, including crisis distillation to manage surpluses and support for sector modernization and capitalization.