The wine sector was distinguished today with the 2015 National Agriculture Award. The award recognize the wine as the product of the year and praises transversely the whole segment, the strong qualitative improvement and the national and international growth that the Portuguese wine has achieved in recent years, affirming itself as an engine for economic growth. The 2015 National Agriculture Award was received by Jorge Monteiro, ViniPortugal CEO, who highlights “This award distinguishes the whole wine sector which consistently evolve very positively in recent years boosting the country's exports. The wine sector constituted a national example of union and a role model to follow for the particular way that promoted an increase in production and innovation, improved marketing and increased exports, captivating the international reviews and key opinion leaders. In fact only a strong and determined sector can support a 20% drop in exports to its main market - Angola - and still grow supported by other markets such as the US, Canada and China.” The initiative aims to Promote, Encourage and Award the successful cases in Agriculture and Agro-Industry, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forests and National Livestock sectors, integrated on the following categories: Companies, Associations / Cooperatives, Young Farmers and New Projects. Luís Capoulas Santos, Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, says that “Agriculture, forests and rural development are very demanding work areas, but also offer greater opportunities. That’s why we must continue to encourage and support entrepreneurship in this area, enhancing innovation, effort and expertise. And that appreciation is also recognition because reward is to value.”