Project description
Solutions to reduce fungicide use in viticulture
Chemical pesticide consumption in agriculture is a major contributor to biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse. Notably, viticulture accounts for 60 % of fungicide use in the EU. Given that wine production represents one of the largest sector within the EU’s agri-food industry, it is imperative for viticulture to reduce its reliance on chemical plant protection products. The EU-funded GrapeBreed4IPM project will develop grapevine varieties that are resistant to diseases and well-suited to local environmental conditions. The aim is to minimise fungicide use and promote biodiversity in vineyards. To ensure maximum impact, GrapeBreed4IPM involves stakeholders across the grapevine industry value chain, fostering knowledge exchange. Ultimately, the outcomes will facilitate more sustainable viticulture practices in Europe, aligning with regulatory requirements and expectations for environmentally friendly products.
Objective
According to the World Economic Forum and the European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse are major threats facing humanity in the next decade. Massive consumption of chemical pesticides in agriculture is a significant contributing factor. Viticulture ranks high among the crops that depend on a massive consumption of chemical pesticides, consuming approximately sixty percent of the fungicides applied in the EU, making it a priority target for reducing the use of chemical plant protection products. At the same time, grapevine is economically and culturally important in the EU, with wine being the largest EU agri-food sector.
Recent advances and new perspectives in grapevine breeding have opened the possibility for GrapeBreed4IPM to address the reduction of fungicides and preserve biodiversity. Lessons learned from past experience in viticulture have shown that success in improving sustainability relies on global involvement of all actors. Therefore, we brought together the top European research groups in grapevine breeding and involved different stakeholders along the grapevine industry value chain in a multi-actor and co-design approach to produce the best insights for maximum impact. The project will develop grapevine varieties with resistance to relevant diseases, adapted to local environmental and pedoclimatic conditions, and with the goal of reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. In addition, the project will provide farmers, winegrowers and advisers with best practices and guidelines for integrated pest management, adapted to disease-resistant varieties, as ingredients for their largest possible adoption and leading to a long-awaited more environmentally friendly and sustainable viticulture in Europe. The project’s outcomes will support evolution of the grapevine market to meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations, a market that is expected to reach nearly EUR 204 billion by 2025.
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HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
75007 Paris
France
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Participants (18)
06484 Quedlinburg
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33100 Udine
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38098 San Michele All'Adige
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30240 LE GRAU DU ROI
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
70182 Stuttgart
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75013 PARIS
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67059 Ludwigshafen
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33095 Rauscedo Pn
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
29122 PIACENZA
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55116 Mainz
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28006 Madrid
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
75001 PARIS
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48160 Vizcaya
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85770 Vix
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
71254 DITZINGEN
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3481 FELS AM WAGRAM
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75008 PARIS
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11108 Belgrade
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partners (2)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
5070 Frick
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
11290 Arzens
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.