BACKGROUND
Viticulture stands out as a primary agricultural sector in the European Union (EU) in terms of economic revenue, job creation and its deep-rooted connection to the culture and identity of wine-growing regions. Wine exports are an important activity in the EU's food sector. However, viticulture faces a major challenge, as it relies heavily on agrochemicals to combat the vulnerability of vineyards to diseases caused by bacteria and fungi.
The incidence of these pathogens is increasing due to climate change, leading to significant negative impacts on grape production, including reduced yields and compromised quality. Traditionally, an intensive regime of chemical pesticides is applied, along with high doses of conventional fertilizers and soil correctives, to meet production standards.
However, this approach incurs excessive costs and raises alarming concerns about adverse effects on the environment and health. The growing demand for more sustainable wine management practices has therefore led to a shift towards organic wine production in the main wine-growing regions. This transition is supported by the European Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (Directive 2009/128/EC), which promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
SYNOPSIS
In response to these problems, an international consortium of 19 partners from 10 countries, coordinated by the University of Minho and with the participation of InnovPlantProtect (InPP), announced the launch of the VINNY Project, with funding of 8.3 million euros from the European Union.
The aim of the project is to develop sustainable and innovative solutions to reduce the use of synthetic phytopharmaceuticals in viticulture, contributing to the sustainable use of phytopharmaceuticals and in line with the EU's strategic missions “A Soil Deal for Europe” and “Restore our Ocean and Waters”.
Through advanced nanoencapsulation technologies, the VINNY Project will develop nanobiopesticides and nanobiofertilizers from ecological sources, such as the grapes themselves and vineyard pruning waste, biochar from wastewater treatment plants and by-products from the meat industry. These sustainable, low-cost solutions will make it possible to control pests more efficiently and improve soil fertilization, while minimizing environmental impact, promoting the recovery of by-products and contributing to more resilient vineyard systems.
The biopesticides and biofertilizers developed will be biostimulants, applied intelligently through controlled release technologies. Some of these innovative solutions will also be incorporated into agrotextile to improve the precision of application to the soil.
For the wine sector, the VINNY Project represents a unique opportunity to invest in innovation, increase the resilience of vineyards and improve competitiveness in an increasingly demanding and environmentally conscious market.
OBJECTIVES
1. exploring new bioactives: biopesticides derived from grapevines and industrial biofertilizers based on by-products from the meat industry and wastewater treatment;
2. Develop new environmentally friendly nanobiopesticides and nanobiofertilizers through nanoencapsulation techniques;
3. Developing agrotextiles impregnated with nanobiofertilizers;
4. Test its efficiency, effectiveness and safety in vitro, in planta and on the ground.
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED
FINANCING
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