International research alliance on steep slopes founded

The research institute in Geisenheim and the association for the interests of research in the wine industry in the Duoro valley in Portugal (Associação para o Desenvolvimento da Viticultura Duriense - ADVID) have decided to cooperate. The ADVID association includes the largest port producers, as well as various business and science groups in the Duroro valley. The association is the organizer of a research cluster established in 2010.

The Duoro valley has a total vineyard area of 44.000 hectares and represents the largest steep slope wine growing region in the world. In a two-day workshop, German and Portuguese scientists discussed research topics related to the effects of climate change, to irrigation management, matters of energy policy and biodiversity as well as options for mechanising the work in steep sloping sites. German steep slope regions stand to benefit from research funds from Portugal, and from joint projects. Currently, individual projects to be launched this summer are being defined. (CS/press release)