23 January 2002 Medal presentation encourages grape and wine science link with Italy

Possible future cooperation between Italy and New Zealand in grape­ growing and wine science teaching and research has been signalled with the presentation of a medal to Lincoln University from the Professor of Viticulture at the University Catolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza (near Milan).

After a visit to New Zealand and Lincoln University in October last year, Professor Mario Fregoni returned home convinced there were significant opportunities for cooperation in teaching and research between the two countries.

As a gesture towards future links he sent a medal from his university for presentation to Lincoln. Well-known Canterbury winemaker Danny Schuster, a pioneer of cool climate grape growing and winemaking in the South Island, made the presentation (January 2002) on Professor Fregoni's behalf.

It was accepted by Lincoln University's Vice-Chancellor, Dr Frank Wood, who said collaboration in this area with an Italian university could be an important addition to Lincoln's internationalisation process.

Professor Fregoni is a past president of the international Organisation du Vin and his visit to New Zealand last year followed the Organisation du Vin Conference in Adelaide.

Areas he identifies for possible future cooperation include the naturally occurring antifungal compounds made in grapevines, grape and wine antioxidant capacity, and the exchange of vine clonal material.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.