Two years ago, the Tokaj Wine Congress was born from the realisation of the increasing need of a change in paradigm to address the problems in agricultural research, education and practices in the wine sector. Learning from the outcomes of the first occasion, we have decided to arrange this Congress biennially and have developed a holistic and transdisciplinary structure, which mirrors the multifunctionality and the regenerative sustainability of integrated wine science. The key issues embrace the fields of sustainable viticulture, oenology, earth sciences, economics, cultural heritage conservation, wine- and gastrotourism, economics, applications of IT resources and Artificial Intelligence, relevant parts of social sciences, international collaboration in research, education and knowledge transfer by joint research and education programs and sharing good practices.

The main purpose of the Congress is to establish an international scientific and educational platform and knowledge bank, open for all participants and future partners with the following functions:

1. Exploring how traditional practices can be maintained while integrating modern innovations

2. Developing strategies for transdisciplinary research projects involving agronomists, oenologists, economists, and educators

3. Examine the potential for international research partnerships and joint funding opportunities

4. Leverage technology (e.g., AI, precision agriculture) to enhance research outcomes and address global challenges like climate change

5. Developing and applying new methods for traditional vineyard practices to integrate modern technologies like AI and precision agriculture

6. Identify opportunities for collaboration between universities, vocational training institutions, and wineries

7. Address lifelong learning needs in viticulture and oenology to upskill current industry professionals

8. Discuss curriculum development that includes traditional practices and modern principles of regenerative sustainability

9. Developing economic models for sustainable wine production and the role of policies in supporting multifunctional agriculture

10. Discuss the significance of preserving cultural and architectural heritage in wine regions

11. Evaluate the economic and cultural impacts of traditional wine regions on sustainable tourism and local identity

12. Applying good practices for integrating cultural heritage conservation with modern tourism development

13. Developing educational programs that support the skills needed for managing heritage tourism sites

14. Establishing a knowledge bank in all the competence areas present at the Congress, with communication network and list of experts of the relevant scientific fields. This knowledge bank will be available from the permanent website of the Congress.

Outcomes of the Congress:

1. Producing a comprehensive report summarizing the discussions and recommendations from each session and workshop, structured to include insights on traditional wine region significance, educational frameworks, and research collaboration.

2. Policy Recommendations: Suggestions for local and international policies that can support the sustainable development of traditional wine regions

3. Educational Framework Proposal: A roadmap for multi-level education programs that include industry collaborations and lifelong learning

The participants of the Congress approved the intentions and decisions summarized in this Memorandum, declaring their willingness to support and participate in relevant joint projects and the maintenance and operation of the aforementioned scientific platform and knowledge bank strengthening herewith the quality and innovation in research and education in wine science and related fields of research and education.

Sárospatak, on the 29th day of October 2024.