IoT technologies in viticulture: Innovation and Sustainability. The IoF Project case study

The actual scenario, characterized at global level by cogent environmental challenges, urges the adoption of effective policies to fight climate change and variability. This is particularly true whit regard to agriculture, strongly affected by the mentioned phenomena. Traditional production areas have experienced, especially in recent years, substantial climatic changes with a general and constant warming trend observed in most production regions. As far as viticulture is concerned, specifically, as global temperatures continue to rise, several areas originally unsuitable for grape production because of insufficient warm climates are becoming adapted to support it. The climates of production regions merge with cultural factors at local level to create a unique combination reflected in the concept of terroir, the peculiar and complex interactions between each regions’ physical and cultural factors, resulting in the quality and style of wine from a specific region. In this context, the application of IoT technologies through precision viticulture and remote vineyard monitoring represents a vital opportunity to innovate cultivation methods. The implementation of these technologies aims at optimising the wine production and quality and, at the same time, preserving the environment by lowering the carbon footprint, reducing water and electricity use and recycle vine and wine waste, thus promoting an effective agroecological transition. The present contribution will analyse the mentioned issues within the IoF project (www.iof2020.eu).