October 21 at 15:30 a.m
Why did you decide to take part in Vinitech-Sifel this year, a trade fair focusing on innovation and solutions for winegrowing (equipment and materials), arboriculture and plant production industries?
Since last year, Wines of Argentina has been working with our partner Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine on the integrated sustainability program for Argentinian wine ‘Sustenta Vitis’, made possible by AL-INVEST Verde, a European Union initiative. One of our main lines of action is ‘WofA Innova’, which consisted of an innovation challenge with the aim of finding solutions to problems in the Argentine wine industry and coming up with innovative ideas. Against this backdrop, we felt it was essential to take part in Vinitech-Sifel, as it is a very important trade fair for learning about the latest technological innovations and sustainable solutions in the agricultural sector, particularly for wine production, and for presenting the winning idea from the challenge.
Vinitech-Sifel is a unique opportunity for companies and professionals to showcase advances in equipment, techniques and practices that improve production efficiency and quality. This is why we are coordinating a ‘Mission Argentina’ made up of representatives from wineries and companies in the wine value chain who will accompany us on this trip and take part in Vinitech-Sifel.
Sustainability and agro-ecology are key themes this year. How does WOFA integrate these concepts?
At Wines of Argentina (WOFA), we have adopted these principles as institutional pillars, promoting the Argentine wine industry's commitment to sustainable, diversified and inclusive viticulture. This is in response to growing market demand for products that respect the environment and local communities.
As part of our Argentine Wine Sustainability Programme, we focus on the adoption of sustainable farming practices that seek to balance vineyard productivity with environmental preservation. Some of the key initiatives we are implementing include:
- Efficient water management: in a country where many wine-growing regions at the foot of the Andes depend on irrigation due to its semi-arid climate, optimising the use of water is a priority. Sustenta Vitis has proposed a specific programme with professionals with a wealth of technical expertise to help wineries manage water use.
- Energy efficiency: several wineries are adopting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. They are also taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint, both in the production and distribution of their wines. As part of our programme, we encourage responsible energy use and develop a technical assistance programme to help wineries manage energy.
- Green certifications: we work with wineries so that they can certify any production unit with the help of different certification companies. Obtaining green certifications helps wineries to position themselves on international markets with responsible wines.
- Waste management: some Argentinean wineries are adopting waste management practices seeking to recycle or reuse all the by-products of wine production.
To raise awareness in the sector, we have run campaigns and programs aimed at producers and consumers on the importance of sustainability in wine production. Through seminars, events and communication platforms, we encourage the adoption of responsible practices at all stages of the wine value chain.
Magdalena Pesce
Wines of Argentina CEO
