KazNARU: FRENCH EXPERTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF VITICULTURE IN KAZAKHSTAN
On October 19, the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) welcomed an official delegation from the University of Bordeaux, one of France’s leading higher education institutions, and the NAVI consortium.
The French delegation was received by Akhylbek Kuryshbayev, President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Board – Rector of KazNARU, Academician. The meeting focused on expanding scientific and educational cooperation between Kazakhstan and France.
“Kazakhstan and France attach particular importance to strengthening their strategic partnership in education, science, innovation, and sustainable development. Cooperation among universities, research institutions, and businesses helps strengthen scientific capacity and train highly qualified specialists,” said Akhylbek Kuryshbayev.
He also highlighted the importance of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development in strengthening scientific and educational ties between the two countries, emphasizing the new opportunities it offers for international partnerships and joint projects.
The French delegation included Guilherme Martins, an oenologist and PhD in Microbiology; Stéphane Badet, an agricultural engineer specializing in wine industry economics and marketing; and Alban de Groot, an oenologist and agroecology consultant.
Alban de Groot expressed his interest in exchanging expertise with Kazakhstani colleagues on modernizing winemaking processes and introducing innovative technologies.
“The main goal is to transform winemaking into an environmentally sustainable and economically efficient industry based on modern technologies,” the French oenologist stated.
France and Kazakhstan intend to expand cooperation in the agro-industrial sector. Limagrain plans to build a laboratory in northern Kazakhstan next year to develop grain varieties adapted to local climatic conditions. Meanwhile, French experts have expressed interest in developing winemaking in the southern regions of the country.
As part of the visit, a two-day scientific and practical seminar began with the participation of NAVI consortium representatives. A training and production complex for viticulture and winemaking was officially opened at the university’s Scientific and Educational Innovation Center for Food Technology and Quality. The new facility will strengthen practical training for students and early-career researchers, support the adoption of modern technologies, and create opportunities for implementing scientific projects.
French specialists conducted a grapevine planting master class in the university’s collection vineyard, sharing advanced agricultural techniques. The October 19–20 seminar programme includes discussions on joint educational projects, laboratory analysis of grape must and wine, the study of French expertise, and product quality assessment. Visits to Kazakhstan’s winemaking enterprises are scheduled for October 21–22.
The joint training and production complex will contribute to strengthening Kazakhstan–France cooperation in the agricultural sector, facilitating the application of scientific advances in industry, and supporting the continued development of domestic viticulture and winemaking.
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