There is more good news in our campaign to protect the UK’s cider duty exemption.As you will know the EU Commission has been adamant that the tax break for our small cider and perry producers must end, but it has now recognised the argument put forward by myself and organisations like CAMRA that we need a rule change to reflect this industries pivotal role in our rural communities.
The EU rules allow a tax break for small vineyards and micro-breweries but NOT for cider or perry producers. I have campaigned and lobbied for a rule change and now the EU Commission is set to consider this.
The producers we are trying to protect have a turnover of less than £20,000 a year and the European Commission demanding they pay an additional tax bill of almost three thousand pounds will force many out of business. They are very often custodians of ancient orchards and use traditional methods to make their products; they are not getting rich selling their artisan product and we must do all we possibly can to protect and encourage them.I will be making a full submission to the Commission in due course and in the meantime thank you for your ongoing support.