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OIV Director General John Barker: "Georgia is one of the World's Most Important Centers of grapevine genetic diversity"

As part of his visit to Georgia, John Barker, Director General of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), visited the Jighaura Experimental Base of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture. John Barker was hosted by the Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, Levan Ujmajuridze, and introduced the ongoing work towards the protection of the genetic resources of the Georgian vine and the development of viticulture and winemaking.

"We discussed in detail the work that the Center is carrying out in the direction of protecting plant genetic resources and popularizing Georgian grapevines. We believe that this meeting is another important step for future cooperation," - said Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture.

John Barker toured the vine collection at the Jighaura base, learned about restored Georgian grape varieties, and tasted wines made from rare varieties.

"OIV Director General John Barker: "Georgia is one of the world's most important centers of grapevine genetic diversity" This heritage is unique even in the global context. I am pleased that it is not only properly protected, but also actively developed. The activities of the center - the study of grapevine genetic resources, the restoration and conservation of varieties - are of particular importance both for the country and for international viticulture," - noted John Barker.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for increasing the awareness of Georgian vines and wine and deepening scientific partnership.

The meeting was attended by Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, and senior specialists from the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture.

It is noteworthy that John Barker visited the Jighaura Experimental Base for the second time. The Director General of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) first visited Jighaura in 2010, during his visit to Georgia within the framework of the 33rd Congress of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV).