French vineyards adapting to climate change with innovative techniques

In the beautiful landscapes of the Beaujolais region in France, where vineyards stretch thousands of hectares, climate change is leaving its mark.

Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns are challenging the traditional practices of viticulture. However, French farmers are not standing idle. Innovative techniques being employed to adapt to the changing climate and the results are promising.

Jean Pierre Riviere, a farmer from Beaujolais, has witnessed the impact of climate change firsthand. "In 2003, we were especially disturbed because we didn't really understand. I mean, we thought it was an exceptional event," Riviere said.

Farmers like Riviere are now planting various crops such as sainfoin (part of legume family) and wild alfalfa which are better suited to withstand heat and require less water.

The most complicated thing about global warming is the acceleration of the phenomenon, says Riviere.

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But for the future of viticulture, he remains confident. "Because mankind has always been able to adapt and find solutions. We'll find solutions and we will adapt", Riviere added.

In the region, David Ratignier, the vice-president of the Beaujolais Villages, has been at the forefront of implementing adaptive techniques.

"Our soils are very poor, so we've added a lot of organic matter to increase water storage in the soil in summer, so it works," Ratignier said.

One of the most effective strategies has been altering vineyard management practices. This includes pruning vineyards, planting drought-resistant crops, using cover crops to maintain soil moisture and replenishing the soil with organic matter.

"We can see the results. We can see vines suffering less from drought," Ratignier added.

Grapes have been cultivated in fields in this area for two thousand years and the wine industry is much more than just a business here. So farmers like Riviere are determined to fight on against climate change to preserve the lifeblood of their land.

Ratignier says that their task for the future is challenging but he is upbeat.

He said: "In the future climate change is really going to complicate our lives. It's certainly going to have a major impact on our work and that of future generations. But I'm an optimist."

While challenges remain, the proactive measures taken by farmers like Jean Pierre Riviere provide hope. Their innovative approaches demonstrate that with resilience and adaptation, French winemaking can endure climate change.

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