Welcome from the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Luis Planas Puchades
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Spain, a country with a deep tradition and immense wine potential, has the honor to invite you to participate in the 44th World Congress of Vine and Wine that we held, between June 5 and 9, in Jerez de la Frontera and Cádiz. .

As the promoting entity, together with the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is proud to make Spain the host country of this important world congress, which has not been held on Spanish soil since the edition of La Rioja, in 2006.

And as a country with the largest vineyard in the world, with more than 945,000 hectares distributed throughout the national territory, and a world leader in volume of exports, we are very excited to host this meeting where the best experts and specialists in the field of viticulture and oenology come together to share ideas, knowledge and innovative proposals.

The Congress of Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera is also a unique opportunity to create networks and collaborate on a global scale with the aim of improving the wine sector and consolidating its long-term success.

Spain has more than 150 different grape varieties and 144 wines of differentiated quality (101 designations of origin and 43 protected geographical indications). The wine production processes also contribute to our image as a country, where wine is a symbol of tradition and culture, as well as avant-garde and progress. In fact, it is a leading sector and at the forefront of innovation and research, and it is constantly changing and adapting.

This is also the focus of the 44th World Congress of Vine and Wine, since under the title "Viticulture and information technologies", it will address the contemporary challenges of the sector in the face of the rise of technologies and the increase in the connectivity. It is increasingly important that viticulture incorporate digitization and different information technologies to improve its efficiency, scope and sustainability. The scientific program of the Congress seeks progress in this regard through four thematic sessions that include viticulture, oenology, law and information for consumers, and food safety, nutrition and health.

Information technologies can improve aspects such as traceability and transparency in the supply chain, which favor the guarantee of wine quality and safety. They can also help optimize efficiency in production and distribution, and therefore reduce waste.

In short, technological innovation is key to the future of the sector and I am fully confident that this Congress will be an opportunity to explore and adopt innovative solutions from the vine to the glass.

We are going to put everything necessary to reach conclusions on how technologies can improve the sustainability of the sector in each and every one of its productions (table grapes, raisins, vinegar, wine and derived drinks) to face the challenges of the present and the future. future.

I want to encourage all the participants to explore all the possible applications of technologies in their work and in their production processes, as well as in their communication and relationship with society in general.

I hope you enjoy the Congress and your stay with us in two beautiful cities such as Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera.