Regional Institute of Wine and Oil

Open letter to the IRVO Board of Directors

– To operators in the wine and oil supply chains, to their Consortia and Associations.

 

– To Agronomists, Oenologists, Cellar Masters, Sommeliers and Tasters.

 

-To Sicilian Universities and scientific researchers.

 

Dear sirs and dear friends,

the new Board of Directors, which was installed a few days ago, was mandated by the Honorable President Musumeci, by the Government and by the Assembly, to ensure that the Institute returns "to being a precious tool in support of Sicilian businesses" and to relaunch the role of the Region in two strategic sectors of the Sicilian economy: wine and oil.

After the settlement of debts and the increase in the budget allocation for the current year, this act represents a further step towards the resumption of functionality of the IRVO, which during the past years has been in a state of painful abandonment.

It is therefore our intention to vigorously pursue the missions that were given to the Institute with great foresight in 1950: Research, Experimentation, Dissemination, Promotion.

In fact, we are of the opinion that research and experimentation, which have always been the main path of homo sapiens, are more important than ever in this period of great climate change. Research creates value, creates international relations, creates real employment, creates development.

We are of the opinion that, to create value, it is also necessary to grow the reputation of the "Brand Sicily", a field in which much has been done and much more remains to be done. A medium-long term strategy is needed, "hit and run" operations are a waste of time and money. One, two, three target countries (no more), with three/five years of intense joint activity.

We are of the opinion that the Brand Sicily can have its advanced front in wine and oil (front runners), but that alongside them the small/large excellences of Sicilian agri-food must be present, food and wine tourism is in fact now a reality increasingly relevant.

We are of the opinion that the attractiveness of the Brand cannot be based only on agri-food, but that it must be consolidated together with Culture, Territory and Tourism, which the fascinating Sicily can offer.

We are of the opinion that it is necessary to mobilize the energies of the public and private sectors in a joint effort, each with its own skills, each with its legitimate although different interests.

We are of the opinion that Sicily has the duty and the right to adopt the best international practices to meet the demands of a globally competitive market. In fact, there is only one language, similar protocols, sophisticated technicality. We will therefore seek the help of the best skills wherever they may be. Interlocutors yes, beggars no.

A special thought, also on the specific indication of the President of the Region, goes to young people, direct farmers and small entrepreneurs, whose efforts and challenges are not always recognized by the market. We promise them our commitment and support.

All this can obviously be done with the contribution of the Institute's precious collaborators, from whom we ask for renewed enthusiasm and all the professionalism they have developed and from whom we guarantee, as far as we are entitled, the necessary environmental serenity and respect for their rights sometimes trampled on in the past.

Do more. Do better. Together with this wish, we extend a cordial greeting to all the operators and their workers, wishing a good end of the harvest and a good start to the olive harvest.

Signed

Sebastiano Di Bella, president

Pino Aleo, councilor

Dino Taschetta, councilor

Palermo, 28 September 2020