European Independent Winegrowers have developed a set of environmentally friendly practices, and the majority of them produce wines under environmental certification. They implement cultivation techniques that reduce pesticide use, improve soil health, and promote biodiversity. Their involvement “from the vineyard to the table” makes them valuable allies in environmental protection and mitigation of climate change. Their practices include:
- Carbon Sequestration: By enriching the soil with organic matter, winegrowers contribute to carbon sequestration, mitigating the effects of climate change.
- Recycling and Emission Reduction: For example, the use of lighter bottles and the very high recycling rate of wine bottles help reduce CO2 emissions associated with wine production and distribution.
- Agroecology: The adoption of agroecological methods, such as cover crops, planting hedges that serve as biodiversity refuges, and rigorous water resource management, allows winegrowing to contribute to a healthy environment.
To strengthen these efforts, European policies must support these practices, particularly through the development of applied research, without increasing the administrative burden on Independent Winegrowers. CEVI calls for a simplification of procedures and increased recognition and support for the environmental efforts of Independent Winegrowers.
