Dijon (France), 27 February 2023

The culture of the vine, both to produce grapes for wine-making and for fresh consumption, is a strong marker of the agricultural and rural Mediterranean. Viticulture is a model for transitions toward greater sustainability thanks to its resilience to climate change and its interactions with other sectors (agroforestry, pastoralism, etc.). In this respect, the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the CIHEAM and the OIV has strengthened their collaboration to face the emerging challenges of agri-food systems.

On February 27, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding which was first signed in 2006 with the aim of strengthening their cooperation concerning mitigation and adaptation measures in vulnerable areas, maintenance and recovery of soil fertility, efficient use of water in agricultural activity, and conservation of Mediterranean ecosystems.

The two intergovernmental organizations wished to enhance the sharing of their scientific and technical knowledge to support the formulation of policies and strategies that promote sustainable development in their respective fields of interest, namely wine tourism, the development of rural areas, the reduction of the environmental impact of agri-food activity, quality, competitiveness, new technologies and digitalization, and inclusion issues.

A wide range of actions on the agenda

For this reason, the new MoU intends to support the following joint activities:

• Advanced courses for continuous and specialized training in the wine sector;

• Seminars and technical meetings to identify needs and formulate solutions in research, development, and innovation in the wine sector;

• Collaboration in the framework of projects and networks, devoted to research, development, innovation, and technical assistance;

• Organization and participation in international fora and conferences, such as COP 27 where they organized a common side event on the resilience of viticulture to climate change in the Mediterranean.

Finally, a joint commission has been created with the aim of meeting once a year to monitor the development of the partnership between the two organizations.

Read about the working meeting between Mr. Pau Roca, Director General of the OIV, and Mr. Plácido Plaza, Secretary General of CIHEAM, in January 2023.