Regional Institute of Wine and Oil

The new IRVO commissioner Giusi Mistretta announces the Institute's directions: research, dialogue with the supply chain and concrete measures for the protection of Sicilian production

The new commissioner Giusi Mistretta outlines the three main directions for the future of the Regional Institute of Sicilian Wine and Oil: Strengthen research, with projects on native vines in collaboration with universities; intensify the dialogue with the wine and olive oil supply chain to address the challenges of the sector and develop concrete measures against the climate crisis, with a focus on adapting to the new environmental conditions that threaten Sicilian production.

Mistretta, a lawyer, plays a key role within the Technical Secretariat and the Legislative and Legal Office at the Sicilian Region. Previously, she held positions as Executive Officer at the Regional Department of Water and Waste, contributing to the management of significant infrastructure projects. She also coordinated working groups for the reorganization of the Sicilian water system. A solid institutional experience that today leads her to lead the Sicilian Wine and Oil Institute with a clear and effective vision.

"IRVO has always supported the growth of the sector - said Giusi Mistretta - also through initiatives such as 'Vini, terre e donne di Sicilia', launched in 2010, which involved 40 Sicilian women, all involved in viticulture. The female contribution to our Institute has always represented an added value for the sector".

The Institute is intensifying its dialogue with the supply chain, addressing current issues such as climate change and drought. Meetings have been initiated with representatives of the sector to plan concrete measures and structure technical solutions through technical tables with the department and professionals.

Another of the commitments on which Mistretta has placed emphasis is the strengthening of IRVO in its role both in terms of research, thanks to projects in collaboration with CREA and the University of Catania on native vines, both on certification of DOP and IGP wines and Sicilian extra virgin olive oils. "Our commitment - reiterated the new commissioner - is to promote the entire supply chain, both nationally and internationally, consolidating the growth of the sector and the service role that the Institute provides to companies".

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