This conference was an excellent opportunity to get an overview of the progress made in terms of reproduction strategies and in all scientific fields directly or indirectly related to grapevine selection.
With over 70 speakers, 330 participants and 26 countries from 5 continents represented, GBG2018 – placed under the patronage of the OIV – has allowed for the coverage of a number of themes, for example: the maintenance and extension of genetic resources; the genetic, phenotypical and physiological characterisation of grapevine populations; as well as the functional characterisation of the genes involved in the control of berry development, maturation and composition, and in the adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress.
Representing the OIV, the Head of the Viticulture Unit, Alejandro Fuentes Espinoza, met various experts in these fields and presented the role of the OIV and its work under way within the OIV “Genetic resources and vine selection” (GENET) Expert Group. The OIV, an organisation of a scientific and technical nature, has been working for some years now on the characterisation and evaluation of principles and of methods of production and sustainable selection for grapevine genetic resources. This is an important strategic axis in order to be able to provide appropriate responses to the vitivinicultural sector.
All of the themes addressed during the Conference resulted in an important exchange of data and information that are at the heart of the viticultural issues of tomorrow in terms of sustainability.
Alongside the 41st session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the OIV participated in a round table of intergovernmental organizations on questions linked to the authenticity and identity of food products.
During this session, facilitated by Carlos Laorden from El País, the participants emphasized the need to define a common terminology and take measures to reduce the risks of falsification and deception of consumers.
The improvement of tracking systems, the adoption of new technologies and the development of new electronic systems can be important tools in the fight against counterfeiting.
The OIV Standards
Jean-Claude Ruf, the Scientific Coordinator for the OIV, emphasized that there exist challenges specific to the vitivinicultural sector, where fraudulent practices most often lead to a change in the quality and authenticity of products rather than to health risks.
At the level of the OIV, this need to guarantee authenticity and identity is addressed through the adoption of standards, notably regarding:
- the definition of products,
- oenological practices: these must in particular take into account the consumer’s safety, not significantly modify the original qualities of the grape and the wine and not deceive the consumer,
- labelling rules,
- establishment of traceability guidelines,
- establishment of analytical norms in order to check origins and traceability.
Taken together, these elements still do not preclude the possibility of counterfeiting. Wines or wine-based spirits with a strong added value are more susceptible to counterfeiting, this being the reason why we must establish certain systems of packaging identification, and also ensure appropriate consumer education.
While the OIV standards are intended to improve the quality of and maintain the natural and essential characteristics of wines, they are also crucial to avoid technical barriers to trade in an increasingly global market (43% of wine consumed has crossed at least one border).
In conclusion, Jean-Claude Ruf is pleased with the quality of the relationship between the OIV and the Codex Alimentarius (the OIV has observer status) and reminded the Codex that it can rely on the OIV as the leading technical and scientific intergovernmental organisation in the vitivinicultural sector.