During a meeting with the Secretary of State for Agriculture, José Diogo Albuquerque, the Secretary recalled the importance that his country, as a founding member of the OIV, attached to the work of the Organisation. He also confirmed his desire to maintain the strong presence and involvement of Portuguese experts in the various working groups.
A working meeting organised with representatives of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the OIV National Committee (a body that, within the IVV, liaises between the various players in the vitivinicultural sector and coordinates the standpoints of Portugal with the OIV) allowed for discussion of different topics on the Organisation's work agenda.
The visit to PORVID (the Portuguese Association for Vine Diversity) provided an opportunity for a presentation on work carried out to preserve vine diversity in a country that has a large number of native vine varieties. This work will be presented during the OIV meetings in April.
Finally, while visiting several vineyards that were representative of the diversity of Portuguese viticulture, Jean-Marie Aurand engaged in a number of discussions with sector representatives.
During this meeting, Mr Jean-Marie Aurand recalled the missions of the OIV and elaborated on the challenges faced by the vitivinicultural field as they are defined in the 2015-2019 OIV Strategic Plan. He also emphasised the involvement of the South African experts within the OIV, expressing the wish that this may be expanded into the table grape sector, where the expertise of South Africa is recognised in international markets.
H.E. Mr Rapulane Molekane stressed the importance of consensus regarding the methods by which OIV standards and recommendations are drawn up. He also expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation between his country and the OIV, adding that he would like to see strengthened collaboration where issues related to water management are concerned.
This conference was placed under the patronage of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine with Dr Jean-Claude Ruf, Scientific Coordinator of the OIV, acting as president of the conference, accompanied by Mr Salvador Manjón, Director of SEVI.
A large number of participants from the vitivinicultural sector attended the conference.
