THE South African wine and table grape industries and Stellenbosch University, in a joint venture, have established an Institute of Viticulture and Oenology (IVO) to enhance the international competitiveness of the country’s wine and table grape sectors.

To be housed in Stellenbosch University’s Department of Viticulture and Oenology, IVO is intended to promote world-class teaching, research and technology development, focusing on projects that will strengthen the relevance and quality of the country’s offerings on international markets.

The Institute will also seek to facilitate international relationships, serving as a platform for exchanging research findings and best-practice with other wine and table grape producing countries.

It will also function as a co-ordination hub for teaching and training, for research and extension services offered by local educational institutions, while maintaining close ties with industry partners, Government and the private sector.

Jan Booysen, executive manager of Winetech that currently co-ordinates research, training and technology transfer in the wine industry, has been appointed IVO’s interim director on a part-time basis.

An interim board has been appointed whose members include representatives from Stellenbosch University, SA Liquor Brandowners’ Association, VinPro, Wine Cellars South Africa, as well as private cellar owners, the table grape industry and donor organisations. The board will also include two specialist independent experts.

A spokesperson for IVO said that now that a structure for the institute has been created, the next step would be to seek funding from the private sector. South Africa receives limited Government support for research and development.