CIHEAM Zaragoza played an active role in the Organising Committee of the international trade fair for the wine and olive-growing sectors ENOMAQ held from 11 to 13 February 2025 at the exhibition centre Feria Zaragoza. As a point of reference for technology and innovation in these sectors, the event brought together professionals from academia and business to address key challenges and opportunities. Through conferences, round tables, and discussions, participants exchanged ideas and built strategic alliances in a rapidly evolving market.
On the opening day, CIHEAM Zaragoza presented its training programmes in winegrowing, olive growing and oil technology. Ramzi Belkhodja, coordinator of the area of Plant Production, Health and Breeding, spoke of the importance of capacity-building for the sustainable development of the sector. CIHEAM Zaragoza offers advanced training courses and research and cooperation projects in winegrowing and olive growing focused on adapting the sector to climate change, digitalisation, quality enhancement and sustainability of production. Initiatives include international courses organised in collaboration with institutions such as the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the International Olive Council (IOC); the International MSc Programme in Olive Growing and Oil Technology together with the University of Cordoba, the Regional Government of Andalusia, IFAPA, the International Oil Council (IOC), the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Fundación Patrimonio Comunal Olivarero (FPCO); and the OLIB cooperation project in Lebanon (Strengthening sustainable local development and coexistence in Lebanon through improved olive tree yield and productivity), funded by the Provincial Council of Zaragoza.
CIHEAM Zaragoza also featured in a presentation by Ignacio Atance Muñiz, Director of the Studies and Publications Service of the Cajamar Group Foundation. Additionally, Vicente Sotés, Professor Emeritus in Viticulture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid introduced the book Premium Wine in Spain: On the Road to Excellence, co-edited together with Carlos Moro, President of Bodegas Familiares Matarromera, and Raúl Compés López, Director of CIHEAM Zaragoza.
Through its participation in ENOMAQ 2025, CIHEAM Zaragoza reaffirms its commitment to training, innovation and sustainable development of the agrifood sector.