A European program worth €8.3 million is being led by the University of Minho (UMinho) with the aim of reducing the amount of pesticides used in vineyards by 50%. Together, 19 partners from 10 different countries are working on the Vinny project, which aims to combat pests in vineyards while also addressing climate change, reducing costs, and protecting the environment.

UMinho has claimed that the goal is to develop nanobiofertilisers and nanobiopesticides to fight pests in viniculture. As explained in a statement “The European Union is the world’s largest wine producer and is therefore seeking to invest in ecologically and economically sustainable production using Portuguese know-how”.

One of the primary goals of the consortium headed by Margarida M. Fernandes from the Centre for Microelectromechanical Systems (CMEMS) at the UMinho School of Engineering is to transition the worldwide viticulture industry from intensive to sustainable. The group also aims to reduce the use of agrochemicals in the industry by 50%. “We will study the microbiomes of vineyards in Portugal, Spain, Austria, and Denmark to create powerful cocktails with antifungal and phytopharmaceutical profiles that, through nanoencapsulation and stimulation, will be more stable and effective,” explains the researcher.

Margarida M. Fernandes reports that the group will also develop biofertilisers containing potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen using wastewater treatment byproducts and meat industry byproducts as a basis. Together with studies conducted in the lab, pilot sites, and filed on efficacy, safety, and efficiency, the project will also suggest agrotextiles impregnated with those nanobiofertilisers. As mentioned in the statement, “Vinny is expected to originate several projects in co-promotion with companies and associations”.