The European Union’s Council of Ministers formally approved the reform, which will enable to begin implementing policies to bring greater balance and more competitiveness to the wine market. The reform, which will take effect on 1 August,  provides for a fast restructuring of the wine sector in that it includes a voluntary, three-year grubbing-up scheme. “Instead of wasting money getting rid of unwanted surpluses, the reform will allow us to concentrate on taking on our competitors and winning back market share”, said Mariann Fischer Boel, commissioner for agriculture and rural development. (Source: Wine Business International)