Environment secretary Steve Barclay has announced the Future Winemakers’ Scheme, a £1.5 million initiative to help develop skills and job opportunities in the sector.

The funding is set to target educating, training and upskilling, as businesses estimate thousands of new vineyard jobs will be created over the coming years.

The news came at the annual Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) conference at Plumpton College in East Sussex – the UK’s centre of training for winemaking – along with the government’s latest steps to reform and simplify regulation for wine producers and traders.

Mr Barclay said: “Around 2,300 people work in the British wine industry with a further 8,300 people employed part time – and numbers are expected to grow by 50 per cent next year.

“We’re proud of what British winemakers have achieved over recent years, and we continue to work hard in partnership with the wine sector to simplify the rules and bring in new financial support.”

Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB – the trade body for English and Welsh wine – added: “The launch of this important educational fund is hugely significant and will ensure that we can train more British winemakers and viticulturists to staff our growing industry.  

“We’re pleased that the secretary of state has listened to our members to better understand the ways that the government can support our sector at this pivotal point in our history.  

“We’re the fastest growing agricultural industry with 4,200 hectares under vine, which is forecast to rise by 85 per cent by 2032.

“After a bumper harvest of almost 22 million bottles last year, we need greater backing to ensure sustainable and transformative growth.”

The new funding package will go towards delivering new courses at Plumpton College to develop skills and knowledge.

It will also help scale up training capacity to ensure a large enough skilled workforce is available to meet the increased growth potential of the industry.  

Sam Linter, director of wine at Plumpton College and chair of WineGB, said: “As we look towards the future of the UK wine industry, empowering the next generation of people working in the industry at all levels is not just an investment in individuals, but a strategic move towards driving innovation and sustainable growth within the sector.  

“By prioritising training and development initiatives, we’re nurturing a talent pipeline that will shape the landscape of winemaking and vine growing, elevate quality standards, and reinforce the UK’s position to becoming a key player in the global wine market.  

“This commitment to education and skill-building is fundamental in ensuring the continued success and resilience of our industry, paving the way for a prosperous future filled with exceptional wines that reflect the rich heritage and promising potential of UK vineyards.”  

The government’s latest proposals for the industry include new rules to make it possible for no and low alcohol wine to be produced and marketed as wine in response to fast-growing consumer demand.

It would also permit the transformation of imported wine, allowing UK businesses to carbonate and sweeten wine on home soil, as well as improve wine labelling rules to ensure that the term ‘British wine’ only applies to products made here with British-grown grapes.

The consultation will run until 10th May 2024.