The dispersion of climate change impacts from viticulture in Ticino, Switzerland

Abstract

Climate change is having complex impacts on agriculture worldwide, including viticultural systems in mountainous areas such as the canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland. Here, socio-ecological qualitative research is used to examine how vignerons are experiencing and responding to climate change. Even in wealthy Switzerland, with highly developed technical capabilities and support services, the immediate climate change impacts are driving major changes across industry, community, and place. Some change is positive in the short term, such as increased rates of grape development. Negative changes are associated with more extreme droughts, storms, and wet periods, which are increasing disease and pest control requirements. Niche adaptation opportunities exist, but as vignerons adjust their behaviors, more complex socio-ecological impacts are emerging and impacting across landscapes. Professional vignerons are adjusting their phytosanitary management systems: increasing monitoring, optimizing their chemical use, and shifting the susceptible and labor-intensive Merlot variety onto the valley floors to reduce costs. Part-time vignerons are trying to adapt, but are voicing concerns about the difficulties of the new management demands. The result is that changes in climate threaten the established regional niche of high-quality Merlot production in association with terraced landscapes. As decision-makers aim to adapt to climate change, they will need to support local learning to manage the immediate risks to both Professional and Part-time vignerons, as well as the broader risks that are dispersing across society.