For Free Headlines Submit Your Email
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 11:15 GMT
Algeria was once one of the largest exporters of wine to Europe. But production almost stopped during a decade-long war in the 1990s, when many vineyards found themselves in Islamist-controlled areas. Now growers in the west of the country are trying to revive production. Large crates with juicy red and green grapes are filled and later fermented into wine at a nearby factory.Hammadouche Dahmane, a 43-year-old producer, recently bought four cellars. On his 40-hectare vineyard he is trying to keep up with increasing demand locally and abroad. "Here in Algeria we used to be among the world's premier wine exporters. We used to produce about 22 million hectoliters during the 40s, 50s and 60s. But now we've lost the market, we only produce about 400,000 hectoliters per year."The winery and vineyard are located in an area which was once a center of the industry. One farmer says something is missing though. "We have everything that we need for farming in this country, even water. The only thing missing is labor, people don't like to work with their hands anymore." In July, the Algerian government said the economy contracted nearly 4% in the first quarter. It's been weakened by lockdowns and a prominent oil and gas that's sector under pressure.