John Barker, Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, has successfully concluded his first official mission to South America. From 4 to 24 August, he carried out an unprecedented tour across five major vine and wine countries: Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.
This historic visit marks the first time an OIV Director General has undertaken such an extensive mission in the region. In each country, Director General Barker followed a busy agenda, meeting with government representatives, laboratories, research institutes, experts, and leading professional organisations involved in wine and grape production.
Accounting for 11% of global wine production, as well as a significant share of table grape, raisin and grape juice production, the OIV’s South American Member States play an important role in the global vine and wine sector.
Throughout the tour, John Barker emphasised the OIV’s commitment not only to advancing scientific cooperation but also to fostering multilateral dialogue and exchange on the OIV’s vision. During this trip, the OIV Director General engaged in discussions on the perspectives and challenges faced by these countries, while also working to bring the OIV closer to their needs. In a challenging global context, such cooperation and dialogue are essential to addressing the sector’s current issues.
Barker said “My objectives for this tour were to emphasise the importance of South America as a vine and wine region, to share the OIV’s renewed strategic vision with key stakeholders, and to hear directly from the OIV’s South American members about their priorities and perspectives. It was a highly valuable and enjoyable experience, and I came away with an even greater knowledge and respect for these countries, their commitment to our sector and their engagement with the OIV. I sincerely thank all the national and regional authorities, the experts and the private sector representatives who shared their viewpoints and their enthusiasm for all things vine and wine during the past 3 weeks.”
