SELECT COMMITTEE MEETING Presentation on the re-accession to the international organisation of vine and wine DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 24 June 2004 Presenters: M E Mogajane, W Jonker and J Rathebe

Departmental structure

Intenational Organisation of vine and wine (OIV) BACKGROUND OIV is an intergovernmental organisation of scientific and technical nature Established in 1924 South Africa has been member since 1963 Discussion on the review of the old OIV started in 1996 at a General assembly in Cape town, South Africa The resolution to review the old OIV was approved in 1997 This led to establishment of new treaty on 3 April 2001 So far 35 member countries has ratified the treaty The purpose of this discussion is to request parliament to give support and approve South Africa accession to the treaty of April 2001 and termination of the membership to the old OIV.

WHY A REVIEW OF OLD OIV The old OIV was dominated by French interest with Eurocentric approaches Working language was predominantly French All previous Director Generals were French Decision making was dominated by weighted votes in favour of large world producers

BENEFITS OF THE REVIEWED OIV There will be enhanced participation as a result of usage of 5 languages English, German, French, Italian and Spanish Technical decisions will be based on sound scientific evidence Decision making on scientific resolutions – consensus based Voting will be used for budgetary matters and elections of presidents of Commissions and Sub-Commissions Increased transparency especially on budgetary and administration of the organisation Agreement has been made to formulate a strategic plan for the next 3 years Strategic plan supported by annual operational plans South Africa has a small research capacity thus continued membership will beneficial as it provides a formal platform for exchange of information for researchers Upgrading of website will ensure better and easier access to information Communication will be enhance through –Press office

International Organisation of vine and wine (OIV) Establish international norms and standards on wine and vine products Set guidelines on New wine making practices and techniques Product definition and labelling Food safety principles(especially public health matters) Harmonise standards on wine and vine products Facilitate trade Promote collaboration and sharing of scientific research

Working proceedures The OIV work through General assembly (constituted by all member countries) An executive committee meeting Commissions, sub-commissions expert groups etc Important for South Africa to participate at all levels of standard setting Expertise lie in both government and industry The treaty shall be reviewed if two thirds plus one of members approve a request to that effect

AGREEMENT OBJECTIVES To inform its members of measures taken on wine and vine where concerns of producers, consumers and other players are taken into consideration To inform and guide other international organizations with standards on wine and vine To contribute to international harmonization of existing practices and standards

Main activities To promote and guide scientific and technical research Draw a framework of recommendation in the following fields Grape production Oenological practices Definition and or description of products Informative labeling and marketing conditions Methods for analysis and assessing vine products Submitting proposals to member states on Guaranteeing the authenticity of vine products –consumers especially with regard to information provided on labels Protecting geographical indications especially wine and vine growing areas Improving scientific and technical criteria for protecting new plant varieties

Main activities (cont) To mediate between countries upon request To monitor, evaluate and inform member states in good time on scientific or technical developments To help protect the health of consumers and contribute to food safety To foster technical cooperation between member states To take account of specific features of each member systems for producing vine products To contribute to the developments of training networks relating to wine and vine products To contribute to the promotion or recognition of the world vine and wine growing heritage To gather, process and disseminate information and communicate it To re-assess regularly the effectiveness of its structures and working procedures

IMPLICATIONS Renewal of membership has no additional financial burden OLD OIV South Africa had 4 votes Cost per unit were determined annually by General assembly For 2003 cost per unit were 12 070 Euros meaning that SA paid 48 280 Euros per annum NEW OIV Votes that a country will have is dependant on its position in the vitivinicultural world SA will have 2 base votes (all member countries have 2 base votes) and 1 additional vote Cost will be calculated according to mutually agreed formula as indicated in Annexure 1 of the agreement (this is based on a formula calculated from the countries position in the vitiviniculture world Total contribution amounts to 45 000 euros per annum

The biggest market for South Africa

Finally Important that South Africa participate in standard setting of wine and vine To guard against our own interests To ensure standards are not Eurocentric but are scientifically based South Africa should participate in the discussions on the formulation of the strategic plan Form a strong partnership with industry to Promote trade Deal with food safety issues Create sustainable employment THANK YOU