Climate change and sustainability in the wine sector

The Consorzio Barbera d'Asti and Vini del Monferrato addressed the issue of climate change and sustainability in the wine sector, presenting data and new research as part of a conference all about the consequences of climate change in agriculture and the research being done to address the issue.

A conference entitled "Climate Change and Economic Sustainability in the Wine Sector" sponsored by the Consortium Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato and the Bank of Asti was held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the hall of the Bank of Asti. "This conference represents for the Consortium Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato only the starting point of a long road we want to travel, the problem is there and must be addressed. The day shows how the Consortium looks not only at promotion but also at the protection of the territory, because this issue concerns and will concern the entire local economic fabric as well as society as a whole," says Vitaliano Maccario, President of the Consortium Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato.

The conference, moderated by Luca Ferrua, editor of several Gedi Group newspapers, featured an illustrious parterre of guests.

Luca Mercalli, a renowned climatologist and popularizer of science, opened the conference by talking about the rising temperatures that are occurring on our planet, a phenomenon that is now setting historic records every year in both land and seas. Consequent to rising temperatures are the reduction of glaciers - suffice it to say that Alpine lakes have retreated over the last century by more than 60 percent - the occurrence of extreme weather phenomena such as large drought periods alternating with heavy flooding, the loss of biodiversity and the arrival of some alien species that disturb those already present. "Today the whole world is looking at the problem of climate change with particular attention. We need to be aware that we still have a chance to act positively to change our future and the future of the planet, but we need to push the ecological transition as far as possible so that the damage is contained, and this problem is curbed. It is possible by veering toward new technologies, stopping cementification, and making an ethical choice in everyday life." concludes Luca Mercalli.

Then Luigi Bavaresco, professor of Viticulture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Piacenza, took the floor and addressed the issue related to the combination of agriculture and climate change. Due to the substantial increase in temperatures and drought periods, there have been some slight changes, destined to be accentuated over the years, the anticipation of the phenological phases of the vine and the change in the organoleptic characteristics of the berry, including the increase in residual sugar in the grapes and the decrease in malic acid present in the berry.  Several solutions have been proposed by scientific research on the subject, among the most important of which are:

• From a genetic point of view, experimentation is underway to recover and exploit the intravarietal variability of a grape variety to test their behavior in relation to climate change. In this regard, the Consortium recently initiated AGEBA, a study focused on recovering and exploiting the ancient germplasm of the Barbera variety to test its behavior in relation to climate change.
• Late pruning is another tool aimed at postponing the budding stage, and avoiding damage caused by the increasingly frequent spring frosts.
• Experimenting with foliar treatments in the vineyard with hydrolysate-based biostimulants at times of highest plant heat and water stress can then help mitigate the negative effects of stress on the plant.
• Manipulating cell DNA (TEA) in vitro as needed can support in creating drought- and water-stress-resistant plants.
• Better canopy and soil management, through specific techniques such as mulching, using compost in the vineyard, and grassing the rows, can avoid intensive land use.

Finally, Professor Mario Fregoni, holder of the Chair of Viticulture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Piacenza and currently Honorary President and member of the Scientific Council of the OIV, spoke about the ongoing experimentation on Vitis Vinifera franca foot in relation to resistance to water and thermal stresses.

nterventions by the Bank of Asti with Dr. Cristina Mobiglia in charge of the Business Marketing Office who spoke about climate and environmental risks from a financial perspective and Dr. Francesco Degiovanni, head of the Commercial Office of the Bank of Asti, who concluded the conference by declaring the Bank's full support to businesses with several plafonds dedicated to damages caused by natural disasters and initiatives aimed at water saving and investments on renewable sources.