The Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission (CVRA) has just been awarded its Sustainability Program with the title of European Ambassador of Rural Innovation of 2019 by LIAISON. The project, European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability launched in 2012 by the European Commission, promotes the best European innovation projects in agriculture, forestry in rural areas.

The contest received over 200 entries from 13 countries. They considered, by the innovative and inspiring character of WASP, one of the best examples of “working together” for innovation across Europe. The awards ceremony will take place in Brussels on 3 December.

“In Portugal, CVRA was a pioneer in the development and implementation of a sustainability program, of voluntary adherence, able to look at the problem in an integrated way and to respond to different motivations. Launched in 2014, WASP followed a practice already established in several world wine regions, having gained importance in markets where Alentejo wines gain position, "says João Luís Barroso, manager of WASP.

“Seeing our work and efforts recognized within a highly competitive market is always a source of pride. As a winning project, we hope to be an example at national and international level and that we can take our initiative further ”, adds João Barroso.

WASP is a pioneering initiative in Portugal, voluntary membership, led by the Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission (CVRA) and aimed at grape and wine producers in the Alentejo Wine Region. Given the total dependence on natural resources, the objective of WASP it is about protecting and valuing these natural assets through sustainable practices in vineyards and wineries, reducing costs and waste, protecting the environment and improving the well-being of society in general.

CVRA has often been recognized for its work in incorporating a truly innovative sustainability strategy in the region. The Program currently has 339 382 members, corresponding to an area of ​​8266 hectares.