Tutorials which were attended by hundreds of Delicata grape growers were held last month at Delicata's new state of the art fermentation hall on the Paola waterfront and at The Malta University (Gozo Branch).
 
Over 350 growers attended both meetings which were chaired by Dr Edric Bonello, Head of Winemaking & Viticulture.  Dr Bonello explained to Delicata's contract growers the importance of the effective use of pesticides in the vineyards and the consequences when not used correctly.  He went on to explain to the vignerons that with Delicata's wines now being shipped to over 16 different countries worldwide together with the new D.O.K. protocols that must be observed, it is becoming even more important that work in the vineyard and the resulting fruit is in peak condition so that it arrives at the Delicata winery in perfect condition.
 
Delicata viticulturist, Dione Caruana also delivered a talk giving very practical explanations on how farmers need to work effectively in quality focused vineyards whilst meeting requirements set in the EU legislation which controls the use of pesticides.
 
Representatives from the Malta Standards Authority (MSA) Ms Shirley Mifsud and Ms Joanne Galea were also invited along to the evenings and gave a presentation regarding the legal notice relating to the subject, rules and regulations for both the growers and the winemakers. They also spoke about the consequences of non compliance and the role of the Malta Standard's Authority. They went on to say how the MSA were very pleased with this Delicata initiative and praised the way that Delicata had reacted to the newly introduced legislation, only days after it was announced to the fruit and vegetable growing industry.