US Embassy discusses common climate challenges faced by the viticulture industry at the Universidade Católica
The Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto hosted the International Viticulture Climate Symposium, organized by the Embassy of the United States of America (USA) in Lisbon, in partnership with representatives of the Climate Centers network of the Secretariat of Agriculture of the USA (USDA). At the heart of the debate were the common climate challenges faced by the viticulture industry, particularly in Mediterranean climates. The symposium brought together more than 70 researchers, producers, government representatives, and associations from Portugal, France, Spain, and the United States.
António Graça, director of I&D at Sogrape, was the speaker who set the tone for the event with a presentation on “The economic and environmental impacts of climate change in the world production of wine grapes”. “Perspectives of Winegrowers and the Industry”, “Research and Academic Perspectives” and “Perspectives of Associations and Networks of Support” were the themes of the debate panels throughout the event.
“Holding this event at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa is in line with the contribution to the development and sharing of knowledge in this area of Viticulture and Climate, where our academic community has done significant work, particularly through the Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry Center and the Faculty of Biotechnology”, said Isabel Braga da Cruz, pro-rector of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. The pro-rector highlighted as well "Universidade Católica 's deep commitment to sustainability issues.”
The US Ambassador to Portugal, Randi Charno Levine, emphasized “To Portugal, to our neighbors in Europe, and to my native state New York, wine production represents a unique intersection of agriculture, science and culture, and we want it to remain productive for many years. I am proud to be part of an international effort that is working to maintain the long-term viability of a sector that is important to so many people, and I congratulate Portugal for hosting such an important event". The ambassador highlighted “the common commitment to battling the impacts of climate change.” “Each one of us has seen the devastating impact of the climate crisis in their own countries” she reflected.
José Manuel Fernandes, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, emphasized the commitment to Green Deal, the intent of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and the importance of wine in Portugal – “is vital in Portuguese culture. The wine reflects the specificities of our territory.” “Agriculture is not the enemy of the environment,” he said. About the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, the minister accentuated his fundamental role in sustainability research.
For international collaboration
The event focused on sharing knowledge with a diverse group of experts from the sector about what has performed better in increasingly dry and hot conditions and extreme situations such as droughts and forest fires. The experts at the Symposium identified gaps where international collaboration and shared information can produce better and speedier results for producers.
According to the director of the USDA's International Climate Center, Barbara Bennett, the idea for the symposium arose from discussions with her counterpart at the California Climate Center, Steven Ostoja. According to Bennett, “We were discussing the research that his center has done on the impacts of weather transformations and climate conditions in the California viticulture industry. We knew that greater dialogue with international counterparts facing similar conditions would give our producers even more tools to manage these risks.” Steven Ostoja added, “Only in my state [in the USA], viticulture contributes to more than 400,000 jobs and adds 70 thousand millions of dollars to our state's economy. Interacting with my fellow researchers and an integrated international network to solve problems will help me better support this industry in my area.”
The symposium, which took place on December 3rd at the Corticeira Amorim Auditorium in the Regional Center of Porto at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, was part of a two-day program, where invited experts gave presentations in panels, groups of discussion, and visits to local producers.