The New Zealand government has nominated Dr John Barker as a candidate for the role of Director General of the International Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV).
The OIV is the inter-governmental scientific and technical reference body for wine. Based in Paris, with 46 members accounting for more than 85 percent of global wine production and nearly 80 percent of world consumption, it is sometimes called the ‘UN of wine’.
“Dr Barker is an ideal candidate,” said CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, Philip Gregan. “He has deep understanding and expertise in the global vine and wine sector built on 20 years of experience. At a time when the global trade environment is rapidly changing, Dr Barker would bring a keen appreciation of the importance of international cooperation to the role.
“Dr Barker has been at the forefront of major technical, policy and trade developments that have supported the success of the New Zealand wine industry. He has a unique global perspective from his experience across many grape and wine producing countries and his leadership roles in the OIV and other international wine sector organisations."
“The New Zealand wine sector fully supports Dr Barker’s vision of an inclusive and outward-facing OIV, that is the trusted vine and wine reference body for a rapidly changing world,” said Gregan.
