Smart Farming Introduction in Wine Farms: A Systematic Review and a New Proposal

Daniele Sarri,Stefania Lombardo,Guido Cencini,Valentina De Pascale,Marco Vieri,Marco Rimediotti,Carolina Perna,Riccardo Lisci,Andrea Pagliai

doi:10.3390/su12177191

Abstract

This study shows a new methodological proposal for wine farm management, as a result of the progressive development of the technological innovations and their adoption. The study was carried out in Italy involving farmers, workers, or owners of wine farms who are progressively introducing or using precision agriculture technologies on their farm. The methodology proposed was divided in four stages (1. understanding the changes in action; 2. identifying the added value of Smart Farming processes; 3. verifying the reliability of new technologies; 4. adjusting production processes) that can be applied at different levels in vine farms to make the adoption of precision agriculture techniques and technologies harmonious and profitable. Data collection was carried out using a participant-observer method in brainstorming sessions, where the authors reflected on the significance of technology adoption means and how to put them in practice, and interviews, questionnaire surveys, diaries, and observations. Moreover, project activities and reports provided auxiliary data. The findings highlighted the issues of a sector which, although with broad investment and finance options, lacks a structure of human, territorial, and organizational resources for the successful adoption of technological innovations. The work represents a basis for the future development of models for strategic scenario planning and risk assessments for farmers, policymakers, and scientists.

Highlights

Agriculture, following the development and modernization paradigm begun with the green revolution (1930–1960) [1], has evolved from extensive production, family, and share farming to intensive production, reliant on chemical products
The smart farming methodology originated from the systematic literature review and a non-linear process analysis gained in research projects aimed at testing or introducing innovative technologies in farms to increase sustainability understood in its three environmental, economic, and social components and the fulfilment of the regulations imposed by the European community
Greater awareness is needed in the adoption of innovations, as they require significant investments in capital and human resources so that they may bring an increase in competitiveness

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture, following the development and modernization paradigm begun with the green revolution (1930–1960) [1], has evolved from extensive production, family, and share farming to intensive production, reliant on chemical products. In this transition, agriculture assumed the characteristics of a productivist and linear system, which aims mainly to increase productivity. The concept of precision agriculture, intended as site-specific crop management, dates back to 1980 Still, this term was used for the first time in 1990, during a workshop in Montana [3], and lately has been associated with the concept of smart farming. A “smart” system permits an open, inclusive, systematic, inter and transdisciplinary system vision

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Conclusion