The conference entitled " Climate change and economic sustainability in the wine sector " promoted by the Barbera d'Asti and Vini del Monferrato Consortium and the Bank of Asti was held on Thursday 30 November in the hall of the Banca di Asti . “ For the Barbera d'Asti and Vini del Monferrato Consortium, this conference represents only the starting point of a long road that we want to travel, the problem exists and must be addressed. The day demonstrates how the Consortium not only looks at promotion but also at the protection of the territory, because this issue concerns and will concern the entire local economic fabric as well as society as a whole ” states Vitaliano Maccario, President of the Barbera d'Asti and Vini del Consorzio Monferrato .
The conference, moderated by Luca Ferrua , director of various publications of the Gedi group , featured an illustrious audience of guests.
Luca Mercalli, a highly renowned climatologist and science communicator , opened the conference by talking about the rise in temperatures that is occurring on our planet, a phenomenon that is now recording historic records every year both on land and in the seas.
Consequent to the increase in temperatures are the reduction of glaciers - just think that the Alpine lakes have retreated by over 60% in the last century - the occurrence of extreme meteorological phenomena such as great drought periods alternating with strong flood phenomena, the loss of biodiversity and the arrival of some alien species that disturb those already present.
“ Today the whole world is looking at the problem of climate change with particular attention. We must be aware that we still have the possibility to act positively to change our future and that of the planet, but it is necessary that the ecological transition is pushed as much as possible to ensure that the damage is contained, and this problem is contained. It is possible by turning towards new technologies, stopping overbuilding and making an ethical choice in everyday life ” – comments Luca Mercalli.
Luigi Bavaresco, professor of Viticulture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Piacenza , then took the floor and addressed the topic relating to the combination of agriculture and climate change. Due to the substantial increase in temperatures and dry periods, some slight variations have been recorded, destined to become accentuated over the years, the anticipation of the phenological phases of the vine and the change in the organoleptic characteristics of the berry, including the increase in residual sugar in the grapes and decrease in malic acid present in the grape.
Various solutions proposed by scientific research on the subject, among the most important:
From a genetic point of view, an experiment is underway to recover and exploit the intravarietal variability of a vine to test their behavior in relation to climate change. In this sense, the Consortium has recently started AGEBA, a study focused on the recovery and valorisation of the ancient germplasm of the Barbera variety to test its behavior in relation to climate change.
Late pruning is another tool aimed at postponing the budding phase and avoiding damage caused by the increasingly frequent spring frosts.
Experimenting with foliar treatments in the vineyard with biostimulants based on hydrolysates in moments of greatest thermal and water stress on the plant can then help to mitigate the negative effects of stress on the plant.
Manipulation of cell DNA (TEA) in vitro as per the required needs can support in creating plants resistant to drought and water stress.
Better management of the foliage and soil , through specific techniques such as mulching, the use of compost in the vineyard, the grassing of the rows, can avoid intensive use of the soil.
Finally, Professor Mario Fregoni , holder of the Chair of Viticulture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Piacenza and currently Honorary President and member of the Scientific Council of the OIV, spoke about the ongoing experimentation on Vitis Vinifera franca di foot in relation to the resistance to water and thermal stress.
Interventions by the Bank of Asti with Dr. Cristina Mobiglia, head of the Business Marketing Office, who spoke about climate and environmental risks from a financial perspective and with Dr. Francesco Degiovanni, head of the Commercial Office of the Bank of Asti, who concluded the conference declaring the Bank's full support for companies with various funds dedicated to damage caused by natural disasters and to initiatives aimed at saving water and investing in renewable sources.
THE BARBERA D'ASTI AND MONFERRATO WINES CONSORTIUM
The Barbera d'Asti and Vini del Monferrato Consortium, founded in 1946, has the task of protecting and promoting its denominations to guarantee their diffusion and their image on national and international markets, also through specific distinctive brands. Currently the Consortium has more than 400 member companies and 13 protected names
