‘Too important not to fight for’: Spain’s wine industry seeks infusion of new blood
Rural depopulation compounding challenges of climate emergency and changing technologies in drawing young people to sector
TL;DR
- Spain's wine industry needs to recruit 22,600 younger workers due to an aging workforce, with 38.9% of growers aged 51-65 and 35% over 65.
- Rural depopulation ('la España vaciada') is a major factor, as young people leave the countryside for cities, making rural professions less attractive.
- The sector, contributing 2% of Spain's jobs and 1.6% of GDP, must modernize vineyards and emphasize sustainability and digital skills to attract new talent.
- Winemakers need to be recognized as business owners, and the entrepreneurial potential of the industry must be highlighted to counter a preference for public sector jobs among youth.
- Modern wineries are evolving with sleek shops, PR teams, and tourism, indicating a shift from traditional methods.
- The wine sector is a vital economic engine for many rural communities, and its decline would lead to the disappearance of small towns and villages.
- Vineyards and wineries play a role in carbon storage and retaining local populations, making the sector's preservation crucial.