Adaptation to climate change of the French wine industry: a systemic approach – Main outcomes of the project LACCAVE

Abstract

Taking into account the major economical role and specificities of the French wine industry, adaptation to climate change is a very challenging issue. In 2011, 23 research teams launched a systemic and multidisciplinary program to analyze the impacts from the vine to the region, to define adaptation strategies combining technical, spatial and organizational options and to evaluate the perception by the actors and consumers of climate change issues. Thermal variability was studied at local scale to develop high resolution atmospheric models which better simulate future climate trends. Impacts on growth/developmental conditions and vine responses were estimated from the calculation of eco-climatic indices and a combination of functional models. Genetic and physiological bases of grapevine adaptation to high temperature and drought were analyzed. Improving oenological and cultural practices as well as plant material innovation have been investigated as major technical adaptations. How these options could be implemented at the plot level was examined to elaborate decision tools. Multi-agent modelling was developed for this purpose. Surveys were performed to evaluate the perception of the main actors regarding climate change and their level of acceptability towards technical changes. Consumer acceptability of new types of wines was also investigated with an experimental economy approach. Finally a foresight exercise was conducted to design four potential adaptation strategies: conservative, innovative, nomad and liberal. Outcomes of this exercise are now used as a tool for wine industry members to develop their own strategic plan for adaptation.