Uruguay’s Path to Sustainable Wine: INAVI at Vinitech-Sifel 2024

Making a powerful statement 
in sustainable viticulture

Advancing Uruguay's Wine Sector through Innovation & Sustainability

Represented by INAVI, Uruguay’s National Institute of Viticulture, the country aims to deepen its international ties and stay on the leading edge of sustainable practices. With a focus on responsible resource use, worker safety, and high-quality grape production, Uruguay’s participation underscores its commitment to meeting global standards in environmental and economic responsibility—goals aligned with the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). Ricardo Cabrera, President of INAVI, explains that this year’s trade fair presents an invaluable opportunity for INAVI delegates to deepen their expertise and build strategic partnerships, advancing Uruguay’s vision for a sustainable wine sector.

Why did you decide to participate in this year's Vinitech-Sifel, a tradeshow focusing on innovation and solutions for the viticulture (equipment and material), arboriculture and plant production industries?

This year's participation in Vinitech-Sifel is part of a strategy to update technology and strengthen international links. Uruguay, through INAVI, signed for the second time a cooperation agreement with Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine (the Regional Agency for International Economic cooperation), with the support of the French embassy. Within this framework, several technical and productive tours have taken place between Uruguay and France (Bordeaux and Madiran), promoting the exchange of knowledge and trends in viticulture. 

Vinitech-Sifel, one of the world's most prestigious trade fairs for viticulture machinery and technologies, offers the opportunity to update on innovative and sustainable solutions, essential for the advancement of Uruguayan wine production. The INAVI board decided on the participation of delegates from each trade association and an INAVI coordinator. 

What objectives do you wish to achieve with your participation in Vinitech-Sifel, in terms of visibility and international partnerships?

As mentioned above, the aim is to deepen technical knowledge, especially in sustainable production, and to generate strategic connections with international suppliers. 

Uruguay's Sustainable Viticulture Programme, which promotes environmentally, socially and economically responsible practices, is a key pillar of this involvement. The programme, administered by INAVI with LSQA certification, seeks to ensure that Uruguayan vineyards adopt best practices to protect the environment, conserve natural resources and promote the economic and social sustainability of the wine sector. 

This programme establishes a series of objectives that are aligned with the OIV's principles of sustainability, focused on ensuring the responsible development of the wine sector. These objectives are: 

• Encourage the efficient and responsible use of natural resources, such as water, soil and biodiversity, ensuring their preservation for future generations. 
• To reduce occupational risks and improve the health and safety of workers in the wine sector, promoting safer and healthier working environments. 
• To ensure the production of high quality grapes, suitable for winemaking, through agricultural practices that minimise the use of agrochemicals and prioritise natural and sustainable methods.

The sector's commitment to sustainability is essential to maintain its long-term competitiveness and to respond to the growing demands of a market increasingly focused on responsible and environmentally friendly products. 

In this sense, the presence at Vinitech-Sifel is aligned with the goal of improving resource efficiency, reducing labour risks and ensuring the production of high quality grapes through sustainable practices. This approach not only seeks to ensure long-term competitiveness, but also to respond to growing market demands for responsible and sustainable products.