In a pioneering initiative aimed at safeguarding vineyards from spring frosts, grape growers across the UK are set to benefit from vineyard-specific frost risk forecasts delivered via a mobile app.
This groundbreaking project, supported by GBP 300,000 in government funding, promises to revolutionize how vineyard managers mitigate the impacts of frost on their crops.
Understanding the Challenge
Spring frost poses a significant threat to vineyards, especially as climate change accelerates warming trends, causing buds to burst earlier and become more vulnerable to subsequent frost episodes. This phenomenon has exacerbated concerns among grape growers, necessitating proactive measures to protect vineyards and minimize yield losses.
Collaborative Efforts and Technological Innovation
The project brings together a consortium of industry leaders including sensor manufacturer Terraprima, agri-tech specialist Agri-EPI Centre, Plumpton College, consultancy Vinescapes, vineyard monitoring company Vinewatch, forecaster WeatherQuest, and Wines of Great Britain (WineGB). Their collective expertise spans weather modeling, IoT sensor technology, and vineyard management, aiming to provide vineyard-specific frost risk assessments in real time.
Innovative Approach and Implementation
Sensors will be deployed across six vineyards located in East Sussex, West Sussex, Oxfordshire, and Surrey. These sensors will monitor microclimatic conditions, feeding data into sophisticated forecasting models that integrate real-time measurements with mapped frost risk assessments. This comprehensive approach will enable the delivery of precise frost alerts directly to vineyard managers via a dedicated mobile app.
Eliot Dixon, head of agri-tech engineering at Agri-EPI Centre, emphasized the project's significance: "This initiative provides a vital early warning of frost risk to vineyard managers, offering precision never achieved before. By combining weather modeling, IoT sensors, and remote sensing, we're showcasing the best of UK agri-tech."
Participating Vineyards and Project Scope
The vineyards participating in the two-year project include Dillions Vineyard (West Sussex), JoJo’s Vineyard (Oxfordshire), Tanhurst Estate Vineyard (Surrey), Plumpton College (East Sussex), Ridgeview (East Sussex), and Quarry Wood (East Sussex). Their involvement will contribute crucial data and insights into optimizing frost management strategies.
Government Support and Future Prospects
Funding exceeding GBP 300,000 from Innovate UK and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) underscores the project's importance in enhancing the resilience of UK vineyards against frost risks. Dr. Alistair Nesbitt, CEO of Vinescapes, highlighted the project's potential impact: "With climate change and increased variability, early season frost poses a significant challenge for producers. This initiative aims to equip vine-growers with the tools needed to mitigate and manage these risks effectively."
Phoebe French, membership engagement manager at WineGB, expressed optimism about the project's outcomes: "Greater control over frost management will not only benefit vineyard operations but also improve the well-being of vineyard managers, potentially transforming their sleep schedules!"
Future Outlook
If successful, this project could set a precedent for enhancing frost resilience across UK vineyards, potentially leading to broader adoption nationwide. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborative efforts, the initiative aims to fortify the sustainability and productivity of the UK's viticulture sector amidst evolving climatic challenges.
Source: Decanter