Multidimensional assessment demonstrates sustainability of new low-input viticulture systems in north-eastern France

Abstract

Current demand for more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable farming practices requires multicriteria assessment of innovative agricultural systems to help enhance cropping systems. We assessed the sustainability of 11 systems intended to substantially reduce inputs, especially pesticides, to viticulture systems. Pesticide use was reduced using three methods: (i) technical (e.g., essential oils instead of some copper use, 100 % soil covering applied); (ii) organizational (e.g., new spraying decision rules, decision aid tools); and (iii) redesign of the entire system (e.g., resistant grape varieties planted). Sustainable performance of the new low-input vine systems (NLIVS) was assessed over 6 years (2013–2018) based on 25 indicators. They covered all aspects of system sustainability: environmental, agronomic, economic, and social. This included the evaluation of human capital and the quality of the wines produced. The results showed that it is possible to combine good environmental performance, such as reducing treatment frequency by up to 89 %, with good agronomic and wine quality performances. The socio-economic performance of these NLIVS was more moderate. Nonetheless, the results demonstrated that the NLIVS are sustainable according to many diversified indicators. NLIVS are also resilient, as shown by the consistent sustainability results over six consecutive years. They are a realistic tool enabling winegrowers to consider reducing viticulture inputs.