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Terra Vitis actions
to respect the environment
Environmental protection is one of the mainstays of the Terra Vitis approach, and is an integral part of the commitment of each of our certified grape farmers and winegrowers.
This commitment is reflected in the implementation of specific actions aimed at:
- Preserving water, soil and air from pollution;
- Promoting biodiversity by maintaining the natural balance of soils and ecosystems;
- Optimising and limiting the use of natural resources and raw materials;
- Ensuring that all our actions are energy-efficient.
All the actions implemented by Terra Vitis winegrowers are the result of a process of reflection based on the pooling of individual experiences, the challenges of sustainable development and our unfailing link with the field and its realities. Our approach is also based on a strong desire to pass on a sustainable winegrowing heritage to future generations.
Working in favour of water, soil and air
What are the specific benefits of our actions?
- Water and, more generally, natural resources are not overexploited;
- Soils are alive and fertile, less compacted and eroded, helping to create sustainable vines that can be passed on;
- The air is cleaner, ensuring the well-being and health of the winegrowers and their neighbours;
- Vine growing is more energy-efficient.
Minimised use of
agricultural machinery
Each intervention in the field is carefully thought through and justified. Winegrowers limit the use of agricultural machinery as much as possible in order to reduce their CO2 emissions and disturb the surrounding animal species as little as possible.
Reasoned water
management
In order to preserve the water table and natural water sources, Terra Vitis winegrowers implement various practices to limit their water consumption in the vineyard and in the cellar: collecting rainwater, pressurised spraying, drip irrigation (for appellations that are allowed to irrigate), etc.
Virtuous farming
practices
To limit the use of natural resources, Terra Vitis winegrowers implement various farming practices such as shading under the vines, limiting soil evaporation and thus the need for watering.
Grass cover
Winegrowers systematically use plant cover to preserve and promote the natural balance of the soil in the vineyard. This helps keep the soil alive, meaning it will require fewer resources.
Limited soil tillage
In addition to using virtuous farming practices aimed at preserving the natural balance of the soil, we limit working the soil as much as possible. This makes it possible to reduce the overall environmental impact of Terra Vitis-certified estates and to encourage living soils.
Natural disease
and pest control
We combat vine diseases and pests using physical or biological techniques as an alternative to chemical treatments. For example, we favour the use of curettage or leaf removal to combat disease and provide habitats for auxiliary insects to chase away pests.
Mechanical and limited weeding
Weed control is kept to a strict minimum and is carried out using mechanical rather than chemical means. By favouring this approach, Terra Vitis winegrowers help preserve soil fertility and air quality.
Waste sorting
and recycling
Terra Vitis winegrowers are committed to sorting and recycling waste and effluents from winegrowing to preserve the quality of the air, water and soil. When necessary and relevant, we use dedicated channels for waste recovery, for example to recycle empty packaging, cardboard or twine.
Recovery
of green waste
Green waste from the vineyard such as pruning residue is shredded or composted and then reused to fertilise the soil. This waste brings water and nutrients to the soil, reducing its need for fertiliser and irrigation.
Secure storage
of non-recylable waste
Unfortunately, some waste cannot be recycled in the vineyard or elsewhere. It is stored on the estate in a dedicated, closed space that limits pollution before being collected by a specialised company.
Acting in favour of biodiversity
What are the concrete benefits of our actions?
- The return of pollinating insects and the strengthening of biodiversity;
- The improvement of soil fertility thanks to increased biodiversity.
Development of agroforestry
Our members are working to (re)create a balanced natural environment, between natural and cultivated areas, thanks to agroforestry practices : they favour grass cover, shrubs, hedges, trees of all kinds... necessary to encourage bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Inspired by nature, this good practice also enables optimal use of natural resources.
Planting of melliferous
plant species
Terra Vitis winegrowers plant numerous melliferous plant species on their estates to encourage the return of pollinating insects, and bees in particular. Legumes are planted which are allies of the vine thanks to their high nitrogen content, in addition to attracting pollinators.
Installation of beehives
and nesting boxes
Terra Vitis-certified estates have numerous structures designed to promote biodiversity and develop an ecosystem of natural allies for the vine. Mainly we install insect hotels, bat nesting boxes and beehives, in this way offering shelter and protection.
Promoting living soil
Earthworms are natural allies of vines and plants in general. They help to fertilise the soil, aerate it, make it more loose and improve its capacity to retain water. Terra Vitis winegrowers encourage their presence via the above-mentioned actions which improve soil quality.
No pruning
during nesting season
The Terra Vitis specifications ban the pruning of hedges and trees during the spring, which is the nesting period for many birds.
Use of sexual confusion
to keep pests at bay
Sexual confusion is a biotechnical method that allows for effective control of the main vine parasites by disrupting their reproduction via the diffusion of synthetic hormones. The males cannot find the females, so mating is drastically limited and the pest populations are significantly reduced.
Acting to preserve resources
What are the concrete benefits of our actions?
- Activities that have less impact on the soil, air and water thanks to a global approach;
- A more responsible way of farming grapes, which is part of an energy-saving approach.
Vineyard observation
Observation of the vines and analysis of this information are important points in the Terra Vitis specifications. Winegrowers take the time to observe their vineyard and to carry out analyses (of the soil, for example) before any intervention.
This makes it possible to optimise each intervention in the vineyard by adapting it precisely to the actual needs of the plot. Interventions are thus more effective, and the risk of disease development is significantly reduced.
Limited interventions
Our members limit their interventions in the vineyard and always choose the most environmentally-friendly practices and treatments. Terra Vitis strongly encourages winegrowers to use organic or biocontrol products.
Recovery of
viticulture by-products
Green waste (vine shoots, stumps, grape marc, wine lees, sediment, etc.) is recycled as much as possible, either on the estate or through specialised channels. For example, vine shoots can be used to make vine stakes and staples; grape marc can be mixed with sheep manure to make excellent compost. We prioritise the use of recycled and/or recyclable raw materials.
Reasoned
packaging choices
Terra Vitis encourages grape farmers and winegrowers to make more reasoned packaging choices: lighter bottles, eco-designed labels, limited cardboard packaging, etc.
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