• CIHEAM Zaragoza and the OIV organise an advanced course on 1-6 July 2024 in Zaragoza (Spain)
• Experts and professionals of the vine and wine from over twenty wine producing countries have already confirmed participation. The deadline for registration is open until 15 May

Zaragoza, 6 May 2024.- Within the framework of the mission of international cooperation and sharing of scientific and technical knowledge to enhance sustainable development, the headquarters in Spain of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Zaragoza) and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) have designed a course aimed at professionals of the viticulture sector, addressing water and soil management strategies to strengthen the resilience of vineyards to the consequences of climate change. Training will be delivered by experts from the OIV, research centres, universities and the business sector in some of the main producing countries in the world.

Today, wine-producing regions have to adapt their traditional winegrowing practices to overcome the challenges of climate change. Due to issues such as water scarcity and changing soil dynamics, efficient water and soil use has become a factor of crucial importance in wine and grape production.

The programme will be delivered at CIHEAM Zaragoza and will have an applied focus, combining scientific principles and practical tools to support sustainable viticulture management. Besides offering a general vision of the climatic situation worldwide and its impact on winegrowing, the course will present public environmental policies and production strategies, placing special emphasis on the delicate balance between soil health and water conservation. The training also includes presentation of case studies from different countries with arid climates, and a technical visit to a Spanish wine producing region.

Wine and vine professionals from over twenty producing countries have already confirmed their participation in the course. Registration is open until 15 May 2024 at CIHEAM Zaragoza’s website.

About CIHEAM Zaragoza

The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), created in 1962, is an intergovernmental organisation with 13 member countries (Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Türkiye) promoting international cooperation in topics related to agriculture and food. CIHEAM Zaragoza is the headquarters of the Organisation in Spain. Founded in 1969, CIHEAM Zaragoza offers quality and excellence in training and promoting international cooperation through research to overcome the challenges faced by Mediterranean agri-food systems. Current activities focus on: sustainable agrifood systems; fisheries and aquaculture; water, soil and ecosystems; forest management; and territorial and inclusive development. Current priorities include adaptation to climate change and resilience of agricultural and food systems.

About the OIV

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) is an intergovernmental organisation of a scientific and technical nature of recognised competence for its work concerning vines, wine, wine-based beverages, grapes, raisins and other vine products.

It is made up of 50 member states. In the framework of its competence, the OIV has the following objectives:

• to inform its members of measures whereby the concerns of producers, consumers and other players in the vine and wine products sector may be taken into consideration;
• to assist other international organisations, both intergovernmental and non-governmental, especially those which carry out standardisation activities;
• to contribute to international harmonisation of existing practices and standards, and, as necessary, to the preparation of new international standards in order to improve the conditions for producing and marketing vine and wine products, and to help ensure that the interests of consumers are taken into account.