April 20, 2022, Paris, France

The CIHEAM Secretary-General, Mr. Plácido Plaza Lopez received, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, Mr. Pau Roca, Director General of the OIV, accompanied by Mr. Rodrigo de Casas, his Chief of Staff.

This meeting was an opportunity to present the priority actions of the CIHEAM for sustainable agricultural and food systems as well as the events planned for the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the organization. The OIV's priorities relating to climate change and digital transformation were also discussed.

The three emblematic crops of the Mediterranean region, which are olive trees, wheat, and vines, are increasingly affected by climate change, diseases, water shortages, and soil degradation.

In this respect, the discussions that took place on rue Newton highlighted the interest in closer collaboration in terms of data collection, scientific research, and technical assistance. They also contributed to exploring new avenues, particularly with a view to COP 27, which will be held in the fall, in Egypt.

In 2006, the OIV and the CIHEAM signed a cooperation protocol in order to develop joint actions. The OIV, a reference for the entire wine sector, is an intergovernmental organization of a scientific and technical nature in the field of vines, wine, wine-based drinks, table grapes, raisins, and other products from the vine.