Grape growers in Murcia have finally reached an agreement through their union, Coag, with the regional government on the issue of losses due to autumn rains in 2006.

The agreement came about after some 100 growers literally camped outside their regional government headquarters and took their case to the national ministry of agriculture.

The growers have been claiming aid through an established fund for support in the case of adverse effects caused by climate. They claim their case falls in line with EU rules governing access to the funds.

Failing qualification for aid under the auspices of these rules, Coag claimed that the regional agricultural office should honour its case under a new trial plant-health plan which is coming into force this year.

The union has claimed the plan is relevant to the varieties they grow and the areas in which they are grown.