Melissa Hackett’s Post

🌟 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

Microbial Communities in Vineyards Shape Grape Quality and Management Choices In the ever-evolving world of sustainable agriculture, the role of microbial communities is becoming a hot topic, especially for those in viticulture. A recent study published in the journal Environmental Microbiome sheds light on how different vin https://lnkd.in/emhQFFdp

🌱 Just participated in Bonterra Organic Estates' webinar on regenerative viticulture—so many layers to explore! 🌱 Joseph Brinkley’s insights on soil health as the beating heart of regenerative Ag really resonate with our work at AGAi (Agricultural AI Solutions), where our "Consult the Soil Shaman" Application helps farmers decode soil data for climate resilience and long-term impact. It’s the tough questions that stick with me: Regenerative versus organic? Can regenerative integrate conventional practices? Tillage or no-till? Herbicide or no-herbicide? These debates and the debate on regenerative vs. sustainable show just how complex farming can be—beyond black and white, with every farm needing unique, bespoke, data-backed solutions. Our predictive AI analytics break down regenerative methods in real-time for each farm’s soil, climate, and goals, helping reveal the business sense in going regenerative. In the end, a regenerative farm still needs to be a profitable farm. A regenerative business is still a business. 🔥 Ready to unlock the secrets of regenerative agriculture? 🔥 Excited to see AI making regenerative farming accessible, practical, and ROI-driven! 🌍🌾Shoutout to Charlie and Agrology, a Public Benefit Corporation for hosting the webinar. Great work! Keep it up and keep it rollin'! Thanks to Chuck, Margit, Laura, Tom and others for their great questions: slow and steady wins the race. #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #AGAi #ConsultTheSoilShaman #DataDrivenFarming #AI

Microbial Communities in Vineyards Shape Grape Quality and Management Choices In the ever-evolving world of sustainable agriculture, the role of microbial communities is becoming a hot topic, especially for those in viticulture. A recent study published in the journal Environmental Microbiome sheds light on how different vin https://lnkd.in/emhQFFdp

𝐀𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐚: 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 🌱🍇 When I spoke with Alkina’s winemaker, Amelia Nolan, it quickly became clear that her dedication to terroir and organic farming goes far beyond typical practices. Alkina is pioneering an approach in the Barossa Valley that deeply respects the land, focusing on how every seemingly miniscule decision — from soil health to geological composition — brings out the distinct qualities of their vineyard. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐚 For Alkina, terroir is about understanding how every layer - mineral composition, climate, biodiversity - interacts to shape the wines. By working with their environment, Alkina allows each wine to reflect the Barossa Valley’s unique character, bringing out qualities that truly define the region. 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 Alkina uses biodynamic farming practices and a minimal intervention approach that helps preserve the land for future generations. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in every step, from nurturing healthy soils to reducing chemical inputs, ultimately producing wines that are as environmentally conscious as they are exceptional. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭? Tomorrow, I’ll dive into the challenges Alkina faces in pursuing such high standards in terroir-driven wines - and how they overcome them. But for today, let’s reflect on the power of terroir and what it brings to the glass. What does terroir mean to you? Drop your thoughts below! #SustainableWinemaking #Terroir #AlkinaWines #BarossaValley #WineIndustry #BiodynamicFarming #EnvironmentalStewardship

🌿 Enhancing Wine Quality with Agrivoltaics 🍇 Exciting news from Svolta Srl in Apulia, Italy! Their innovative agrivoltaic system, featuring 7,770 solar panels, has revolutionized vineyard management. Key benefits include: * Delayed Harvest: Harvest postponed by 3-4 weeks, allowing better grape maturation. * Improved Wine Quality: Grapes maintain optimal sugar levels and acidity. Environmental Impact: Reduced water consumption by up to 20% and increased land yield by 20-60%. * Weather Protection: Shields vines from extreme weather, reducing water stress and wind damage. SolarWine seamlessly combines clean energy production, agricultural efficiency, and crop yield optimization. By integrating Solar Technology with Machine Learning, we empower farmers while contributing to a more sustainable future. 🌞🍷 #Agrivoltaics #SustainableFarming #WineInnovation #SolarEnergy #VineyardTech

This weekend, I had the chance to attend a wine contest in a small village in Tuscany featuring local and artisanal “vino contadino” – wine made for personal enjoyment only. It was a unique event that even attracted professional wine growers, sommeliers, and renowned critics. During the closing dinner, I had insightful conversations with wine producers and academic experts about New Genomic Techniques (#NGTs). The producers themselves raised the topic, highlighting #NGTs as a valuable tool to reduce crop protection products in vineyards, potentially cutting treatments from 11-12 times a year to just 2 or 3. However, these passionate individuals expressed their frustration with the lack of an enabling legislation for the use of #NGTs. They are committed to their craft and the environment, and their concerns about coping with the pressures of climate change are valid. As we look to the future, it’s crucial to support these hardworking producers. Why are they not allowed to access #NGTs to enhance sustainability and productivity? How are they going to deal with increased pressure from climate change? What are we waiting for? #Sustainability #Wine #Agriculture #Innovation #ClimateChange #NGTs Photo by Andrea Moretti

🌍 Taking care of the Earth and those who cultivate it: at Cordier, we talk about it today, but we act all year round. #EarthDay   Soil health in viticulture: unique collaboration on vine cover between InVivo Foundation, Bioline and Cordier by InVivo.   Soil health in viticulture is one of the 4 themes of Cordier CSR strategy #Terra360, as it is a major priority on economic, societal and environmental levels. It plays a crucial role in improving grape productivity, regulating the use of inputs and ensuring wine quality. It is in this context that the InVivo Fondation, Cordier and Bioline teams have been working together on the theme of vine weed control.    This project, which began in Languedoc-Roussillon with some 30 "Pioneer" winegrowers from partner cooperative wineries, aims to measure and improve soil vitality, mitigate climatic and environmental impacts, and promote positive economic and social consequences. Supported by the InVivo Foundation, this approach provides invaluable support for winegrowers, from soil analysis to enhancing the value of their heritage. It helps guarantee the health and yield of the vines, to produce a quality wine that respects the environment.   On April 4, winegrowers came to visit the Bioline teams on their test platform, to talk about vine weed control using Semences de France mixtures. The aim was to demonstrate how this technique increases profitability, reduces costs, enhances production and contributes to the structural and biological improvement of soils. It also has a positive environmental and social impact, helping to protect biodiversity, store water and carbon, and combat climate change. bioline by InVivo FONDS DE DOTATION INVIVO FOUNDATION InVivo #tiphaineDutrieux Franck ESCALES Robert Eden Sylvain Chaussé Marion Dubosqueille Thomas Bégon Charlotte de Lattre Robin Salmon MARIE ANGELE BENNAVAIL

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 

"Nudging Interventions to Foster the Reduction of Pesticides in Viticulture: Insights from Italian Winegrowers" is now published! In this study, we explore how nudges can encourage winegrowers to adopt fungus-resistant grapevine varieties (PiWi), reducing pesticide use and supporting sustainable practices. Key findings: ✔️ Nudging strategies—such as salience and social comparison—boosted adoption intentions by +12%. ✔️ Social and personal benefits, along with risk-taking behavior, play a significant role in decision-making. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/df4QtF8C Special thanks to Giuseppina Migliore Giorgio Schifani Riccardo Vecchio.