AN ARGUMENT lasting almost 40 years between Slovakia and Hungary regarding the wine trademark Tokai is coming to an end. The Agriculture Ministers of both countries signed an agreement on June 3 by which Hungary officially recognised that the Tokai vineyard area is also located on Slovak territory.
"This contract shows that the Tokai vineyard area spreads across the territory of both countries, and both countries will proceed together in the issue of protecting and administering the Tokai label in the future," stated Agriculture Slovak Minister Zsolt Simon.
According to Simon, the agreement with Hungary will allow the protection of Slovak Tokai as part of the unique wine type.
Apart from the applications of Hungary and Slovakia, the European Union registers four other requests for protection of the Tokai trademark.
"To secure unique protection worldwide we need common demarcation and protection," said Simon.
Recognition of the Tokai vineyard area, according to Simon, means more than the production of a world-famous wine. The Tokai area will be incorporated into the World Heritage of the United Nations Cultural Fund, which will also mean the development of tourism.
On the basis of the new map, Slovak Tokai territory covers 565.2 hectares, according to the Minister. Only 375 hectares are cultivated.
"It is possible to expand Tokai production. Without state help, more than Sk200 million (€5 million) will be invested here within two years," Simon stated.
The Slovak part of the Tokai vineyard area constitutes of seven cadastre territories in eastern Slovakia.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
