The future of farm advice for sustainable soil management in Italian viticulture
Scenario workshop in the framework of Agrilink project
Italian viticulture nowadays is facing multiple challenges which ask for innovative solutions. An online scenario workshop organized in the framework of the Agrilink project with farmers, advisors, researchers and policy makers of Northern Italy explored the future role of the advisory system in introducing new strategies for vineyard soil management.
Main challenges for all farmers pertain the environmental domain (SOM preservation, water use optimization, biodiversity enhancement) and the economic domain (to grant a constant income during climatically uncertain years). Calculation of environmental value of different vineyard management practices translated into transparent indicators can trigger farmers and civil society, and facilitate the proper quantification of ecosystem services. Frontrunners need multidimensional training, structured horizontal networks, independent trials and space for participatory research and demo activities. Mainstream farmers need to increase trust, through long term experiences, good examples, consumers’ awareness of farmers’ operations and their value.
A major problem with the current advisory system is its extreme fragmentation. Public action is rather weak and often far from real territory needs. Local experiences are often poorly shared and mainstream farmers are often neglected by advisory.
The situation can be improved by implementing a system for the identification of most urgent farmers’ demands. Universities could play a relevant role if their “third mission”, meaning extension, is triggered. Advisers (public and private) must build awareness of their strategic role and evolve an active attitude towards life-long-learning. The proactive role of farmers is crucial in needs identification and knowledge exchange.
In the context of Action 7 of the ValorinVitis Project, the first session of "school in the vineyard" for foreign refugees was held on March 13, 2018. The group of 15 refugees managed by the cooper...
The 2016 California winegrape harvest was early, with a mostly normal yield of exceptional quality fruit throughout the state. A relatively even growing season followed welcome winter rains that he...
The fifth edition of the International Grenaches du Monde Competition, launched in 2013 by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon (CIVR – Interprofessional Board of Roussillon ...
Entries open in September 2016 and close on 28 February 2017.
The OIV Awards rewards the best works published over the past two previous years which provide an original and relevant contribution, with an international significance for the vine and wine sector...
US Wine industry’s annual report that assesses current conditions and provides a unique forecast based on micro- and macroeconomic and behavioral trends.
Cookies are pieces of information that are stored on your device that you can delete or block at any time. The information we collect allows us to improve the service we offer you. No data is disclosed to third parties.
Technical cookies are necessary for the functioning of the site and take into account your browsing preferences, such as language.
Technical cookies
Analytical cookies refer to systems for statistical analysis, in anonymous and aggregate form, relating to the running of the site and user behaviour.
Analytical cookies
Failure to accept the optional cookies will not eliminate the display of any advertisements. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking on the icon in the bottom right-hand corner.