Europe is a leading producer of wine, Turkey for Sultanas. Spain, Portugal and Turkey count as the most important European countries having the largest wine-growing regions for both the organic and the conventional variety. Agriculture plays a very crucial role in conserving biological diversity / biodiversity. Yet farmers, especially winegrowers are provided with very little understanding on the importance of biodiversity, as part of their professional training.
The project organizes the transfer of knowledge between the partner organizations and the countries involved. Particularly important are the experiences from the "Nature Protection and Biodiversity Conservation as a Task for CSR in small and medium sized businesses, Germany" project, conducted between 2012 and 2014.
In addition to exchanging experiences – training materials for winegrowers, and specific training modules on biodiversity would be developed and implemented on 50 model farms. Training modules on species diversity in the vineyards will also be offered to the participants.
As a participant you will avail of theoretical knowledge on the issue of biodiversity but with a focus on individual training elements. These modules are developed together with the local partners. Winegrowers are trained directly on the farm and are therefore able to integrate the instructions directly into their daily work.
What actually happens in the project?
- Biodiversity Fact Sheet: A short and comprehensive fact sheet would highlight the most important aspects for the conservation of biodiversity in wine production. In the end good examples facilitate implementation of their own policies.
- Biodiversity Identification Guides "Allies - Treasures - Pests": Which are the kind of beneficial organisms but also the not-so-beneficial ones present on the wine-growing areas – wine producers could soon find out for themselves.
- On-farm Training Tool: A comprehensive training approach for winegrowers to implement various measures for wine quality and biodiversity.
- Biodiversity Performance Tool: Tailor made methods developed with the winegrowers who best recognise the potentials of such reforms and can designate suitable actions.
This project is focused on organic viticulture, because the assessment of biodiversity within agriculture remains an innovative approach. Organic farms are generally more willing to improve their environmental performance and through this their contribution to social responsibility. Organic winemakers are fully aware that well-functioning ecosystems, and a high diversity in the soil and between the rows of vines are beneficial for a healthy vine crop and good quality of grapes.