Perspective 2030 - Viticulture changes through PIWI varieties and NGTs in Europe

Sustainable viticulture in Europe is being advanced through the GrapeBreed4IPM project, which explores disease-resistant grape varieties (DRV) and new genomic tools (NGTs) to reduce pesticide use and enhance climate resilience. The project develops a Decision Support System (DSS) for DRV adoption, conducts stakeholder workshops using design thinking across six European countries, and gathers insights from winemaker panels. Findings confirm PIWI varieties significantly reduce pesticide applications and support climate adaptation. The project emphasizes the need for policy flexibility, improved classification rules, and targeted communication to boost market acceptance. Results highlight the role of NGTs and stakeholder engagement in driving innovation transfer and sustainable farming practices.