- 7519 mha is the worldwide area under vines in 2013
- Despite decrease in area under vine, the world production of grapes has been increasing (751 Mql) in 2013
- 271 Mhl is the first estimation for the wine produced in 2014
- Sparkling wine market has expanded in recent years: in 10 years production has increased by more than 40% and consumption by 30%.
OIV’s Focus on the Sparkling wine market
During a working meeting with the President of the National Institute of Vitiviniculture (INAVI), Mr José Lez Secchi, and members of the board, Mr Aurand gave a presentation on the situation of the vitivinicultural sector and its major developments on a global scale. This presentation was followed by a discussion regarding the position of Uruguayan viticulture within this context and the key issues it faces.
The President of the INAVI confirmed that he wanted to further strengthen Uruguay's presence within the various working groups of the Organisation.
During a meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, agricultural engineer Tabaré Aguerre, the Minister stressed the Government's desire to develop the vitivinicultural sector by promoting the production of quality wines and the image of the Tannat vine variety. The Minister also expressed the hope that Uruguay might host an OIV World Congress of Vine and Wine in the near future.
Finally, Mr Aurand attended the presentation of awards to vitivinicultural companies who took part in "Catas solidarias", an approach based around solidarity with disadvantaged populations.
This underlined Azerbaijan's interest in the OIV and its desire to become fully involved in the work of the Organisation.
H.E. Mr Elchin Amirbayov also confirmed that the Festival of Vine and Wine would again take place in Ganja in October 2015, and that it would be the occasion to open the Museum of Vine and Wine.
Jean-Marie Aurand expressed his satisfaction with the quality of relations with the Azerbaijani authorities, and with their wish to reinforce their presence within the various working groups of the Organisation. He confirmed that he would visit the Festival in Ganja, during which a training session on wine tasting in particular will be organised, according to the specifications of the OIV.
Finally, the Ambassador indicated that his country would like to host an OIV Congress in the near future.
In response to the invitation from Professors Vasco Boatto – President of the University of Padova and Director of the University Centre for Research in Conegliano – and Eugenio Pomarici – Professor at the University of Naples and President of the OIV "Economy and Law" Commission – the Director General of the OIV visited the Conegliano Interdepartmental Centre for Research in Viticulture and Oenology on 9-10 December 2014.
On this occasion, before an assembly of teacher-researchers, students and professionals in the vitivinicultural sector, Jean-Marie Aurand gave a presentation on the OIV and the main issues for the wine sector in the years ahead.
The Conegliano Interdepartmental Centre for Research was founded in 1876 – making it the oldest in Italy. It provides professional and academic training in the fields of viticulture and oenology, as well as conducting research in these areas.
The trip was extended to include discussions with members of the board of directors of the "Consorzio" for the protection of Prosecco and visits to companies in the sector. These meetings resulted in a number of conversations about the state of the wine market and its developments.
and was coordinated and organised by VIMAC (Foundation for Vineyards, the environment and consumers) in partnership with the Catalan Wine Association, the Cava Institute, the Catalan Regional Government's Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing, Food and the Environment, the INCAVI (Catalan Vineyard and Wine Institute) and a variety of sponsors and trading associations.
Representing the OIV as Head of the Viticulture Unit, Mario de la Fuente spoke about the current initiatives within the organisation's various committees and expert groups in relation to the sustainability of the vitiviniculture industry. These, he said, were focussed primarily around 5 key areas: climate change, water footprint, reduction of pesticides in viticulture and standardisation of MRLs, recommendations for the exchange of plant material and the definition of general principles for sustainable viticulture based on environmental, social and economic aspects.
The forum's technical presentations highlighted some key issues for sustainability, such as reducing the use of copper, the application of silicon on vines and the search for alternatives to phytosanitary products used on the vineyards, the use of sustainable and recyclable materials in the vitivinicultural sector, calculation methods and sustainability indicators (ECO-PROWINE Project) and the use of agricultural machinery powered by alternative fuels such as biodiesel, biomass or hydrogen. In addition, government representatives underscored the commitment made to reduce greenhouse gases by 2020 (the Spanish Climate Change Office, OECC) and detailed the improvements in the new EU regulation on organic production.
During an open debate, experts in viticulture, the environment and ecology took part in this important forum, where it was underlined that the sustainability of vineyards relies on the sensible management of production, the environment, economic output and social aspects that affect consumers and the sector.
Developing a new sustainable production system represents a serious challenge and requires the involvement of the entire vitiviniculture sector (producers, companies, governments, etc.). Therefore, the legal framework and all current and future recommendations need to be concrete, flexible and comprehensive in order to provide suitable responses to the needs of the vitivinicultural sector.
Ultimately, EcoSostenibleWine made it clear that the vitiviniculture sector can take on this challenge and meet the needs of consumers, who are increasingly concerned about sustainability and all that it entails, and demanding products which are consistent with these principles.