Francesco Vella’s Post

🍇 Ever wondered how we can manage pests and diseases in vineyards without relying heavily on synthetic chemicals? New and innovative strategies explore the use of microorganisms to keep vineyards healthy and thriving. 🍷 By promoting natural microbial diversity, biocontrol not only protects our grapes but also supports a more sustainable wine industry—better for the environment and the wine we love! Learn more about biocontrol in viticulture in this article written by two of our doctoral candidates - Jose Luis Padilla Agudelo and ELENA PALENCIA MULERO. #HorizonEU https://lnkd.in/euzhjJz3

...traditional and sustainable viticulture meets high-quality biochar! produced by using NGE technology...

CLIMATE CHANGE AND PESTICIDE USE IN VITICULTURE: BALANCING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES WITH CHEMICAL AND NATURAL ALTERNATIVES The wine industry faces growing challenges as climate change intensifies pest pressures and shifts traditional growing regions. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts are transforming vineyards worldwide. These changes not only impact grape quality but also create ideal conditions for pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew and grapevine moths. For decades, chemical pesticides have been a staple in vineyard management, offering cost-effective and reliable pest control. However, their environmental and societal impacts, such as biodiversity loss and soil degradation, are driving a shift toward sustainable alternatives. Biological and natural solutions, such as pheromone traps, botanical pesticides, and microbial treatments, offer eco-friendly benefits but come with challenges, including higher costs and variable efficacy under extreme weather conditions. The future lies in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—a balanced approach combining chemical, biological, and cultural practices. With innovations like precision agriculture and pest-resistant grape varieties, winemakers can address climate-driven complexities while meeting growing consumer demand for sustainable and organic wines. As the wine industry adapts, collaboration among growers, researchers, and policymakers will be vital. The question remains: how can tradition and innovation coexist to safeguard the future of viticulture? Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eyAx69Wp #viticulture #climatechange #pesticides #naturalpesticides #alternatives #sustainability

Looking forward to collaborating on sustainability and climate change initiatives. What initiatives are you most excited to learn about? What results have you noticed from your companies' sustainability efforts? #sustainability #climatechange #collaboration #consulting

Great to see this thorough write up about the recent webinar I participated in with Caine Thompson of O'Neill Vintners & Distillers and graciously hosted by The Porto Protocol Foundation and The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation. In this webinar, Caine and I gave a full overview of the side -by-side regenerative vs conventional trial that is in its 4th year at Robert Hall vineyard in Paso Robles. The ground truth data that Agrology has gathered over the past two seasons is truly impressive, and makes a clear case for the production benefits and ecological improvements that have been unlocked by the transition to Regenerative Organic practices. We have seen vastly improved soil respiration (indicating improved microbial activity) as well as gains in canopy absorption of CO2. This has translated into huge improvements in carbon sequestration, with approx. 12 additional tonnes of soil carbon per acre after 4 years. And although that might not be a surprise to advocates of Regenerative Organic Alliance, this might be: We also saw huge improvements in how the vines in the regenerative block were able to cool the air in the canopy during heat waves. We saw a 7.8% decrease in peak temperatures in the canopy (avg. daily high) during the critical harvest window last year. We also see improvements in soil temperature, with more buffering- maintaining a more ideal temperature range for microbial life. Regenerative systems can create cooler nano-climates around the grapes, and also contribute to bioregional cooling. More living plants, combined with more soil microbial activity, is how we move towards local climate repair. Agrology ground truth data shows that this doesn’t just work in theory, it works within real world, commercial contexts. If your interested in learning more about how Agrology can empower you in your regenerative journey, please reach out. We would love to chat with you.

Did you know that the European Union is the world's leading wine producer? Viticulture is a key agricultural sector in the EU, accounting for 45% of global wine-growing areas, 64% of wine production, and 48% of wine consumption in 2020. It is also the largest agri-food sector in terms of exports. However, this sector faces a significant challenge due to its heavy reliance on agrochemicals to protect vines from fungal and bacterial diseases. This is where the VINNY project becomes crucial, aiming to revolutionise this industry by reducing the dependency on harmful chemicals. Amazing, isn’t it? #viticulture #sustainable #VINNY #project

🌟 Just returned from an incredible visit to Château Lucey Halde, and I'm inspired by the innovative agro-science practices they’re implementing in their vineyards! 🍇 At Château Lucey Halde, they’re not just making exceptional wine – they’re pushing the boundaries of agricultural science to enhance sustainability and grape quality. 🌱 Here are a few fascinating insights I gained: 1. Precision Viticulture: Utilizing advanced technology to monitor vine health and soil conditions, ensuring each vine receives optimal care. 2. Sustainable Practices: Implementing eco-friendly methods, from organic fertilizers to integrated pest management, reducing environmental impact. 3. Soil Health Management: Studying soil composition and biodiversity to maintain nutrient-rich, healthy vineyards. 4. Water Conservation: Using innovative irrigation techniques to conserve water while maintaining vine health and grape quality. It’s inspiring to see how science and tradition blend seamlessly at Château Lucey Halde to create wines that are not only exquisite but also environmentally responsible. Cheers to the future of sustainable winemaking! 🍷🌿 #SustainableWine #AgroScience #WineInnovation

𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗔𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲? 🌍🍷 In the sun-soaked plains of Puglia, Italian wine producer Svolta Srl is cultivating Primitivo grapes—varieties typical to the cool Dolomites of Northern Italy.  The secret? Agrovoltaic technology. 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗰𝘀 allow diverse grape varieties to flourish in new climates and challenging conditions. The practice utilizes strategically placed, tilted solar panels to create a protective microclimate, shielding vines from extreme weather, intense sunlight, and strong winds.  This stable environment 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 by up to 20%, balances acidity, 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 by 20-60%, and optimizes sugar levels, resulting in 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲! Across the Mediterranean, Start AgriTech graduate AGRILIGHT Energy has implemented innovative agrovoltaic solutions. For over 12 years, more than 20 grape varieties have been tested on a semi-commercial plot at the Ramat Negev Research Center, where Agrilight’s technology has enabled diverse viticulture to thrive in challenging desert conditions. We love to see agrovoltaics being embraced worldwide. Cheers to sustainable #viticulture! 🍇 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: https://lnkd.in/dQ3-4gDM #FrontierRNG #Agrovoltaics #SustainableWine #ClimateTech #Innovation #DesertTech 

The organic sector is often seen as pricier than conventional retail, but The Barn Bio Market, a Belgian chain of 8 organic market stores, has effectively proven otherwise. Founded in 2017 by Quentin Labrique and Julien de Brouwer, The Barn offers high-quality organic products at prices that rival those of conventional retailers, all while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. Through its innovative retail concept, the company not only keeps prices affordable but also actively supports ecological and local farming. So, what is the clever business model behind this success? 🥬 Discover more below: FR: https://lnkd.in/e6x3gDX9 NL: https://lnkd.in/ewpt2yxy #forbesbelgie #forbesbelgium #forbesbelgique

As farmers in FCT which is somewhat an urban setting, we can practice innovative techniques and grow organic food. In our little way, we get to contribute to food sustainability, availability and also fight hunger. We can do this together 🍅🌶️🍝 #Agroecology #agribusiness #Youth4GreenEco #youthgreenventures #eatlocal #organic