Press

17 Feb 2016

One of the central themes of this conference was the integrated management of pests and diseases based on the development of new precision technologies for the control of pesticide use, protecting food safety and promoting sustainable development in the vitivinicultural industry. The OIV was represented by the Head of the Viticulture Unit, Mario de la Fuente, who gave a presentation on the actions that are carried out within the "Viticulture" Commission in relation to the reduction and reasoned use of pesticides in the vineyard.Mario de la FuenteThe conference, presided over by the Director General of the Barcelona School of Agricultural Engineering (ESAB), was attended by over 60 speakers from many research centres and/or universities the world over, numerous representatives from the main producers of phytosanitary products and pesticides and manufacturers of application machinery, students, etc., thus bringing together almost 200 people each day.

The work was organised according to diverse thematic areas: Sprayer performance/Quantifying spray parameters and standards; Operator training on phytosanitary products; Biological efficacy of spraying; Precision application; Reducing off-target exposure; Spray physics and spray droplets and Application to tree and bush crops.

In total, 12 posters, 45 oral communications and 3 opening addresses highlighted the existing problems and challenges, while at the same time seeking to set the necessary bases for scientific and technological advances in pesticide application. These debates essentially contributed to the technological transfer of this progress for the vitivinicultural sector and, especially, to sustainability and integrated management.The new challenges and concerns faced by the vitivinicultural sector are also of significant concern to the OIV. Strong evidence of this is the important presence of the promotion of sustainable viticulture (which affects pesticide management, among other factors) within one of its five strategic axes for the 2015-2019 Strategic Plan. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the OIV has been working on various resolutions since 1997: on integrated production (VITI 1/1999; CST 2004); on the preservation of biodiversity (VITI 01/2002); on organic production (ECO 460/2012) and, of course, sustainable production (CST 2004; CST 2008 and VITI 422/2011). Similarly, the Organisation has worked on the management of different pests and diseases such as, for example, phytoplasmas (VITI 3/2006) or trunk diseases (VITI 2/2006).In addition, the OIV has adopted three resolutions on maximum residue limits for pesticides. Two of these encourage the creation of a directory of official lists of Member States or other international organisations with maximum residue limits (MRLs) for grapes (VITI 01/2007) and wine (OENO 14/2006), while the other resolution is on the adoption of a standardised methodology for the determination of pesticide residues in wine by an extractive method (OENO 436/2012). The Vine Protection and Viticultural Techniques (PROTEC) Expert Group is continuing to work on different challenges intrinsically linked to sustainability, integrated management or the application of phytosanitary products, through various actions:

• General principles for sustainable viticulture. Environmental, social and economic aspects (CST 12-518). Practical recommendations (CST 13-530).
• Reduction or reasonable use of pesticides in viticulture. During these conferences, the preliminary results of a questionnaire carried out on Member Countries with regard to pesticide use were presented.
• Overall harmonisation of the MRLs and protocols for pesticide application. It is extremely advisable that the protocols for the use of pesticides are standardised and further harmonisation of MRLs is sought for the active substances used in viticulture the world over.

The conference concluded with hugely successful participation from the sector for the application of phytosanitary products and pesticides. All of the challenges raised during the event will be addressed to some extent in the future, and the OIV hopes to be able to keep working together towards more sustainable vitiviniculture.

09 Feb 2016

Jean-Marie Aurand praised the quality of the relationship between Romania and the Organisation, which is rooted in over 90 years of common history, given that Romania was one of the founding members.The Romanian delegation is very active within the OIV. Romania hosted the 2013 Congress in Bucharest and last year the OIV Awards ceremony was held at the Romanian Embassy in Paris.H.E. Mr Luca Niculescu confirmed the strong interest that his country has in the work of the Organisation, at a time when the Romanian vitivinicultural sector is undergoing an extensive process of modernisation.It is within this context that Romania proposes to organise a presentation of its wines at the OIV headquarters this year.

25 Jan 2016

This work will make it possible to very quickly establish the launch of the new OIV website, access to the scientific and technical heritage of the OIV via the digitisation of its Bulletin and the rationalisation of the working structures (expert groups) adapted in accordance with the Strategic Plan. "Sustainable development, climate change and the expectations of consumers and citizens have become inescapable for an increasingly globalised vitivinicultural sector," Jean-Marie Aurand recalled, noting that the OIV needed to be at the centre of these concerns. To this end he confirmed that, alongside traditional subjects relating to technical standards and good practices, the OIV was going to develop its work with regard to environmental issues within a new structure specifically dedicated to this purpose.

From April 2016, a new Exert Group known as "ENVIRO" will address, in a multidisciplinary manner, the problems with respect to sustainable development and climate change in order to develop a comprehensive and consistent approach.

This means promoting vitiviniculture that is more competitive thanks to innovations and the adding of value to products, yet also more sustainable. After having praised the delegates and the representatives from the Diplomatic Corps, whose high level of attendance demonstrated the attachment of OIV Member States to the Organisation's activities, Jean-Marie Aurand thanked the experts and professionals who contribute to the OIV's expertise and participate in promoting its actions. OIV President Ms Monika Christmann also expressed her desire to move forward in 2016 with the dossiers currently being reviewed by the OIV, as well as her delight at being able to act together with the new Commission and Sub-Commission Presidents elected in 2015. She reiterated the importance of maintaining high scientific and technical standards, which allow the OIV to fully play its role as a reference for the vitivinicultural sector, particularly with regard to the Codex Alimentarius. The year 2016 will also see the OIV World Congress of Vine and Wine and General Assembly held in Brazil for the first time, in Bento Gonçalves on 24-28 October 2016.

20 Jan 2016

The increase in the number of works presented to the OIV Award Jury is related not only to the growth in worldwide literature about vine and wine by many authors, but also the significant international recognition of the OIV Awards : a benchmark in a sector which continues to grow and develop. For information on the Award Jury and the OIV Awards : Download the document

• What does the Award presented by the Award Jury provide?
• What are the categories specified by the Award Jury?
• What are the terms and conditions for submitting a work?

Answers and palmares on http://www.oiv.int/en/international-organisation-vine-and-wine/oiv-awards, contact jurydesprix@oiv.intRegistration until 28 February each year: submission form to download

18 Jan 2016

They also met with the German Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Christian Schmidt. Monika Christmann and Jean-Marie Aurand had several meetings with the Ministers and representatives for the OIV Member States present in Berlin. During a breakfast in the parliament building at the initiative of Ms Kordula Kovac, member of the German Bundestag (national parliament) and also President of the "Wine Group", the OIV President and Director General met with Mr Edmond Panariti, Albanian Minister for Agriculture. The Minister showed a keen interest in the OIV and its missions at a time when Albania wishes to revive its wine production and modernise the sector.

23 Dec 2015

In July, Claudia Quini, the then President of the OIV, gave an award to Dr Karl-Heins Wilms (picture: Michael Koehler received the award on behalf of Dr Karl-Heins Wilms), who has devoted his professional activity to the wine sector for more than 20 years as the Head of the German delegation of the OIV. She highlighted the exemplary nature of the German participation in the OIV which, in this period, has hosted two world congresses and had two presidents of the Organisation. Mr Yves Bénard, Vice-President of the OIV, paid tribute, posthumously, to his Italian oenologist colleague, Professor Roberto Ferrarini. He was the Director of Research and Director of the departments of Development and University Research; a professor on the viticultural and oenological sciences course at the University of Verona and a member of the Italian Academy of Vine and Wine; as well as a member of the Italian OIV delegation on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, notably as part of the "Oenology" Commission and the "Technology" Expert Group. Mr Jean-Marie Aurand, Director General of the OIV, gave a posthumous award to Mr Serge Hochar, who was involved in OIV activities for 20 years and was a major player in the renovation and development of Lebanon's wine sector. He was one of the architects of Lebanon's wine legislation established in 2000, Founder and President of the Union Vinicole du Liban and, more recently, President of the National Institute of Vine and Wine. He successfully positioned Lebanese wines on the international stage, a tireless ambassador dedicated to his passion and vision for his country's viticulture. In October, the President of the OIV, Monika Christmann, presented the OIV Merit Award to Jean-Luc Dairien, currently the Director General of the French National Institute of origin and quality (INAO). She stressed Mr Dairien's contribution to the vitivinicultural sector both at the national level in his work as the ONIVINS Director as well as in his devotion to the OIV's “Economy and Law” Commission for ten years as its Scientific Secretary and President. Finally, the OIV also granted its Merit Award to James Finkle, who died in September 2015 before receiving this recognition. He chaired the International Federation of Wines and Spirits (FIVS) for nearly 17 years. Under his leadership, the Federation has become the representative of the wine sector, particularly as an active observer with the OIV or Codex Alimentarius. The OIV pays tribute to the memory of a passionate man who devoted himself to the development of vitivinicultural activity around the world.

10 Dec 2015

In the context of the relationship that the OIV General Secretariat has enjoyed with the People's Republic of China for many years, the OIV is pleased to announce the translation and publication of the OIV Compendium of International Methods of Analysis of Wines and Musts into Chinese [pp.1-292] [pp.293-595] [pp.596-830].In 2013, during the various meetings between the Guangdong Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center (IQTC) and the China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, the heads of these Chinese organisations had made the proposal to translate the Compendium of International Methods of Analysis of Wines and Musts . These directors had also at the time been invited to participate in the meetings of the "Methods of Analysis" Sub-commission.This publication is of great importance given that the responsibilities of the Inspection and Quarantine Centers include control operations for products imported into China. As such, the translation of the OIV Compendium into Chinese is a step closer towards international recognition of the methods of analysis adopted by the OIV.The Compendium of International Methods of Analysis of Wines and Musts was published for the first time in 1962. It has been republished and updated regularly, integrating on a yearly basis the complementary methods established annually by the "Methods of Analysis" Sub-Commission and approved by the General Assembly.The Compendium plays a key role in standardising methods of analysis. Many wine producing countries have introduced its definitions and methods into their own regulations. Furthermore, certain bilateral agreements relating to the wine trade recognise that the methods of analysis published by the OIV prevail as reference methods for the determination of the analytical composition of wine as part of inspection procedures and thus contribute to facilitating international trade.The OIV would especially like to thank the heads of the Guangdong Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center for their work and commitment in carrying out this important task of translating the OIV Compendium of International Methods of Analysis of Wines and Musts .

03 Dec 2015

In the presence of former presidents including Jacques Puisais, Ezio Rivella, Pietro Pittaro and Vicente Sánchez-Migallón, the current co-presidents stressed the importance that oenologists have acquired globally, having supported the development of the global vitivinicultural sector – from palliative roles with regard to shortcomings to those aimed at bringing out the best in winemakers, terroirs and vine varieties all over the world. Jacques Puisais was pleased to state that oenology was the only science that blended together all of the other fields: chemistry, physics, pedology, climatology, geography, history and many more...The President of the OIV, Ms Monika Christmann, expressed that she was proud to be an oenologist and thanked the oenologists and the UIOE for their high level of involvement in the technical work of the OIV, having been able to appreciate their expertise when she headed the "Oenology" Commission of the OIV. Jean-Marie Aurand, the Director General of the OIV, also recalled how important the UIOE's role had been as an observer at the OIV, in particular in the definition of the profession and title of an oenologist on a global level, which had enabled the revision adopted in 2013. Serge Dubois indicated that the UIOE was going to strengthen its visibility at the OIV and would of course pay great attention to the adaptation of the international oenologist training programme currently under discussion.The evening of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the UIOE was also marked by the presence of the Minister for Agriculture of Uruguay, Mr Tabaré Aguerre, who highlighted the importance of the vitivinicultural sector in his country's agriculture. He also expressed his delight that the Uruguayan National Institute of Vitiviniculture was presided by an oenologist, José Lez Secchi, who is also Vice-President of the UIOE, and invited oenologists from around the world to participate in the OIV World Congress of Vine and Wine, which will take place in his country in 2018.The International Union of Oenologists aims to represent national oenologist associations on an international level, to defend this professional category on all levels, to oppose abusive use of the title of oenologist, and to maintain cohesion, solidarity and relations between the different associations. Additionally, it seeks to act as a voice before the relevant national and international authorities so as to standardise biological processes as well as chemical, physical, microbiological and sensory methods of analysis, and to organise uniform oenologist training in different wine-producing countries by harmonising the content of studies, the duration of courses and the certificates issued, in order to ensure that oenologists may take responsibility for the execution and control of certain oenological processes.From left to right José Lez Secchi, Guillermo Dighiero Arrarte (Uruguayan Ambassador), Serge Dubois, Tabaré Aguerre, Monika Christmann, Jean-Marie Aurand, Riccardo Cotarella

01 Dec 2015

Ministers in charge of agriculture or the environment, or alternatively their representatives, from Germany, Australia, Bulgaria, Spain, Estonia, France, Japan, Lithuania, Morocco, New Zealand, Poland and Uruguay also participated in this day, as well as the Director-General of the FAO, and representatives from the World Bank, IFAD, numerous research institutes and Non-Governmental Organisations. The work essentially focused on the contribution of agriculture to CO2 sequestration as part of the international research initiative 4 per 1000.The objective is to strengthen public policies and research programmes in order to increase stocks of organic material from soils by 0.4% per year. Such an increase would make it possible to compensate for all of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon sequestration in agricultural soils is one of the contributions of agriculture and forestry, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The OIV has joined forces with this initiative, which strives for a transition towards productive and sustainable agriculture founded, in particular, on adapted soil management.

These objectives largely coincide with the actions underway at the OIV with regard to sustainable viticulture and climate change.The OIV, which has placed the promotion of sustainable viticulture at the top of its 5 strategic axes for 2015-2019, taking into account the challenges of climate change, adopted the General Principles of the OIV Greenhouse Gas Accounting Protocol for the Vine and Wine Sector in 2011 (Resolution OIV-CST 431-2011)This protocol defines principles for the calculation of emissions and sequestration of greenhouse gases (GHG), expressed in the carbon dioxide equivalent, for the vitivinicultural field. The specific objectives of the OIV GHG protocol are:

• to help companies working in the vitivinicultural sector to prepare a GHG inventory that represents a true and fair account of their emissions, through the use of standardised approaches and principles,
• to simplify and reduce the costs of compiling a GHG inventory,
• to provide the sector with information that can be used to implement effective strategies to manage and reduce GHG emissions,
• to increase consistency and transparency in GHG accounting and reporting among various companies and GHG programmes.

On this basis, in 2015 the OIV adopted an inventory of emissions and sequestrations that is intended to provide specific information on the aspects to be taken into consideration for the calculation of GHG emissions of a company or particular product based on the area considered (Resolution OIV-CST 503AB-2015).This work is continuing within the framework of the work programme so as to develop a frame of reference for data collection by developing a detailed, multi-criteria approach going beyond the solely "carbon" approach while paying particular attention to the aspects of water management, biodiversity and pesticide reduction.

30 Nov 2015

During this technical conference, a number of speakers underlined the important role that bulk wine plays in changing consumption habits, marketing and business strategies.

14% of world wine production is intended to be sold in bulk, which, in 2014, represented almost 38 million hectolitres (mhl), corresponding to around 38% of the total volume of world exports.

With 12.4 mhl, Spain is the leading exporting country of bulk wine, followed by Italy (5.5 mhl) and Australia (4.0 mhl). With respect to imports, these increased by around 15.5% between 2010 and 2014.