Many people, when thinking about wine, associate it with happy and merry memories. And oftentimes, it is a great companion during festivals, holidays, and celebrations. However, have you thought about what the future of viticulture looks like? Viticulture is facing many challenges, and with the birth of SmartVitiNet, we aimed at changing the narrative of the viticulture’s future.
Little background story of SmartVitiNet
The viticulture industry, a cornerstone of European culture and economy, faces mounting challenges in the face of climate change, escalating production costs, and unsustainable practices. While Europe produces two-thirds of the world’s wine and boasts 45% of the global vineyard area, the sector's reliance on pesticides, vulnerability to extreme weather events, and the evolving demands for premium-quality wines are putting its sustainability at risk.
Climate change threatens to reduce crop yields and disrupt ecosystems, while pests and diseases like Downy mildew and Powdery mildew result in significant losses. Moreover, one-size-fits-all farming solutions, heavy pesticide usage, and their negative impacts on health, biodiversity, and the environment clash with the EU's goals for organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
SmartVitiNet emerged as a solution to these challenges, harnessing precision agriculture technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors, and remote sensing. These tools provide granular data for targeted interventions, allowing vineyard managers to reduce waste, optimize resources, and enhance crop quality sustainably. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, SmartVitiNet aims to revolutionize viticulture, ensuring its resilience and competitiveness for generations to come.
Who is behind the missions?
Across Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, and France, a pool of experts from different sectors are driven by three project objectives that aim to revolutionise the viticulture industry:
🍇Scale Up and Market Innovations
Develop, pilot, and bring to market an innovative plant protection system that integrates UAVs, capacity building and networking platforms, and advanced ready-to-use sensors.
🍇Establish a Competence Center for Precision Viticulture
Create a hub for upskilling sector professionals, building expert networks, and fostering knowledge transfer among academia, SMEs, professionals, and regional policy makers.
🍇Boost Competitiveness and Sustainability
Enhance sector competitiveness by aligning with EU environmental policies, reducing health impacts, and mitigating risks of food pollution.
How is SmartVitiNet going to reach these objectives?
Revolutionising Plant Protection
SmartVitiNet utilises advanced observation platforms and UAVs to monitor and protect vineyards. This approach optimises crop protection, reduces chemical use, and ensures healthier ecosystems, contributing to safer food production practices in line with EU environmental goals.
A Center of Excellence in Precision Viticulture
The Competence Center plays a pivotal role in the project, providing advanced training for professionals, enabling networking opportunities, and establishing a continuous flow of knowledge between stakeholders. This collaborative framework ensures the long-term sustainability and success of precision agriculture practices.
More than just impacting Viticulture!
SmartVitiNet’s impact extends far beyond vineyards. By merging technology and sustainability, the project supports regional economic growth, advances environmental conservation, and reduces health risks associated with traditional farming practices. Bettering the world, one drone at a time!
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