Mr. Gomes I’m calling you because you were the winner in the category Quality, diversity, health – the European agricultural policy and production of the Video/photo competition “RE:TURN TO THE FUTURE – AGRICULTURE”.
Yes, I saw that on the competition website, it was very good!

I have another announcement for you. Your photo was also considered the best in the competition so you are the Grand Prize winner.
“Wow that is fantastic! I’m very glad. Usually people like my photos. I have a large portfolio but I don’t consider myself a photographer. I just shoot, and that’s it. I’m really glad.

Your photo title is “Wine – Douro Valley”?
Exactly. It is a picture taken at the wine farm where I work, Quinta do Crasto, during this year’s harvest. The photo is exactly as it was captured and it shows that nature has things that are truly fabulous.

Have you ever participate in other photo competitions and win?
No I hadn’t. Normally people like my photos but I never had the intention of becoming a photographer.

Your photo is the Grand Prize Winner and the winner in the category “Quality, diversity, health – the European agricultural policy and production” Why did you choose to participate with this particular picture in our contest?
This photo shows the wine during the fermentation process at Quinta do Castro where I work. In that process the wine produces very suggestive fantastic images. I try to capture these images but I had never imagine participating in a contest.

How did you hear about our competition?
I read about it on the IFAP website that is connected to the Ministry of Agriculture and I decided to participate just for fun.

Do you think this competition contributes to the promotion of agriculture and rural areas among people who are not farmers?
Yes I do, because due to the economic situation people are increasingly returning to agriculture even in the European and global scenario. As a more specific example, at the Douro region we have extraordinary conditions. We were the first demarcated wine region in the world and we possess a fabulous potential at all levels, not only for tourism but also for the wine and olive oil production that can contribute to growth. At present, agriculture is the activity with greater importance globally.

Would you participate in future contests on this theme?
Maybe, I don’t know. I’m very critical regarding what I do and I’m not a good judge of my photos. But taking into consideration others opinion I do have nice pictures that I should show more. Honestly I don’t know what I’ll do in the future.