Project VINNY: innovative bio-preparations for sustainable grape cultivation

Viticulture, one of the most important sectors of agriculture in the European Union, is facing growing challenges due to climate change, which affects grape production, yield, and quality.

In response to these challenges, an international consortium of 19 partners from 10 countries, led by Minho University and involving ADVID (a cluster of grape growers and wine producers) and CoLAB VINES&Wines (a non-profit organization dedicated to improving viticulture in Portugal), launched the VINNY project, receiving a funding of 8.3 million euros from the European Union.

The project aims to develop sustainable and innovative solutions to reduce the use of synthetic phytopharmaceutical products in viticulture and provide biological alternatives in line with EU priorities such as the "Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system".

Using advanced nanocapsulation technologies, the VINNY project participants will work on developing nanobiopesticides and nanobiofertilizers based on environmentally friendly sources such as grape materials and pruning residues, biochar from wastewater treatment facilities, and by-products of the meat industry. These solutions will allow for more effective protection and fertilization of vineyards, reducing environmental impact and increasing the value of by-products.

The developed biopesticides and biofertilizers will fall into the category of controlled release products. Some of these innovative solutions will also be incorporated into agrotextiles to improve precision application to the soil.

To ensure the effectiveness of these new methods and their implementation in the industry, an experimental vineyard will be established in Quinta do Popa, an ADVID partner. This will be a place where new solutions will be tested and demonstrated. It will serve as a platform for training and raising awareness among farmers, governmental bodies, scientists, and other stakeholders interested in advanced agricultural methods.

For the wine industry, the VINNY project presents a unique opportunity to invest in innovation, increase the resilience of vineyards, and enhance the competitiveness of organic grapes in an increasingly demanding and environmentally conscious market.