A tool for technical and economic evaluation of dieback in wine-growing holdings

Abstract

Dieback in the vineyards is causing a long-term decline in the productivity of the vine stock and/or its sudden or gradual premature death, related to a number of different factors. It is a problem in all wine regions around the world. Its economic importance was estimated to represent €2 billion turnover in 2020 if the trend in yield loss continues at the same pace. How do we diagnose dieback in the wine-growing holdings to provide a better understanding of the risks and to respond? The aim of the work is to identify the factors to be taken into consideration in the development of a dieback self-diagnosis tool for wine growers. The first study takes into account all aspects of the wine-growing system in very mixed French conditions of production. The survey was fielded in 124 wine-growing and contains over a hundred questions. The analysis and classification of the holdings are based on yield and longevity which are constructed from socio-technical and economic data, complementing the agronomic aspects. These parameters have been combined to create a classification of wine-growing holdings affected by dieback. The finished tool is based on the answers to 30 questions identified by the survey. We can calculate a score that places the winery in relation to other wineries in the same situation.