Navarra's SOCIAL context
1.Depopulation
The phenomenon of depopulation in rural areas is affecting all of Europe. In Navarre, our community, currently, over 60% of the municipalities are impacted. Among these, 44% are facing extreme risk.
2.Age pyramid inversion
Thereâs a significant age structure inversion in our region, Navarra. This issue is not limited to our territory but can be observed at national and European levels. This situation leads to a reduction in the labor force of these territories bringing them a social structure that is not socially or economically sustainable.
In addition, the relationship between aging and health problems is well known, making the elderly a sector of the population more exposed to health conditions such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative illnesses among others.
3.Spanish brain drain
Yet another problem we encounter in our country is the âbrain drainâ, a phenomena that is happening right now in our society. Young people who are extremely qualified are leaving our country searching for better salaries, especially in our area of knowledge, scientific research.
Rural depopulation, population aging, and brain drain are interconnected issues that can result in a bleak environment in rural areas. Aging reduces the workforce while leaving the elderly with a lower standard of living, brain drain deprives communities of talent, and depopulation decreases investment and services.
A comprehensive approach and collaboration are required to revitalize rural areas and ensure a sustainable future.
Navarraâs ECONOMIC context
1.Representation of the wine industry in Navarraâs economy
The production of grapes for winemaking in the Autonomous Community of Navarre represents 3% of the national total and is protected under the Denomination of Origin for Navarre Wines (DO). This amounts to approximately 170.3 thousand tons of product and is a significant economic and cultural sector for the community.
2.Waste in the wine industry
Market Information System for the Wine Sector of the Ministry of Agriculture estimates the wine production in Navarre at 83.18 million liters.
Data from the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) estimates that there are 25 kilograms of waste/100 kilograms of grapes, with 50% being grape skins and the rest consisting of stems and seeds.
During the process of transforming grapes into wine, 1/4 of the raw material goes to waste, yielding valuable byproducts.
3.Excess in wine stock
The wine sector is grappling with an ongoing crisis. 25 Million excess liters are estimated to be in the community's wineries.
The Spanish wine industry finds itself amidst a storm that threatens its stability. Drought and inflation, coupled with declining consumption and a drop in exports, have led to an excess of inventory, pressing wineries and cooperatives to seek emergency solutions. In this scenario, one measure that could gain momentum is the transformation of wine byproducts, grapes, and surplus wine into resveratrol using synthetic biology for industrial purposes.
