Definition: VITISWISS

Introduction

The guidelines serve as a basis for the VITISWISS certificate and for the development of requirements for ecological services (PER) within the framework of the Federal Council Ordinance on Direct Payments (OPD). They were developed by the VITISWISS Technical Commission in close collaboration with regional associations and take into account the principles of integrated production recognised and defined by the International Organisation for Biological and Integrated Control (OILB*). These requirements are established annually, taking into account new knowledge acquired. When awarding the certificate, the sections may go beyond the national requirements by incorporating regional specificities.

Objectives

Ecological and integrated production aims in particular to:

• ensure the production of healthy grapes and quality wine products with a minimum of residues;
• protect the health of producers when handling inputs;
• seeking and maintaining a high level of biological diversity in the wine-growing ecosystem and its surroundings;
• favouring gentle, organic and biotechnical control methods, using primarily natural resources and regulatory mechanisms;
• preserving long-term soil fertility and minimising environmental impact (water, soil, air).

Commitments of the winegrower

Ecological and integrated production requires producers to undergo continuous professional training and to adopt a positive and dynamic attitude towards the objectives set. To achieve these objectives, a farm must comply with these guidelines, which must be applied to the entire vineyard area.

Planting vines

Choice of site

Avoid frost-prone, poorly ventilated areas and poorly drained soils. In water protection zones, a sufficient distance between the vineyard and water sources must be maintained. All measures must be taken to prevent any damage to the environment.

Choice of grape varieties and rootstocks

When choosing grape varieties and rootstocks, priority must be given to cultivars and clones that are best suited to the soil and climate conditions. Clones must be diversified as far as possible. Rootstocks that induce excessive vigour, which can promote cryptogamic diseases, should be avoided.

Plant material must be healthy and certified free from major viruses. In the absence of certification, the healthiest material possible should be chosen.

Choice of training system

The choice of training system must in particular ensure:

• the production of high-quality grapes;
• the longevity of the vines;
• protection of the soil against erosion;
• a reduction in factors promoting the development of diseases and pests;
• proper application of plant protection products, minimising spray drift;
• good biological diversity.

Soil preparation

• Before any new planting, a complete soil analysis must be carried out, including particle size, organic matter content and the main mineral elements (P, K, Mg).
• Basic fertiliser or soil improvers will be applied according to the results of the analysis.
• The land will be cleaned up if necessary (drainage, problematic perennial weeds).
• Sources of disease inoculum must be carefully eliminated (old roots, wood residues).
• In the case of virus-infected vines (grapevine fanleaf) and in the presence of nematodes, devitalisation before grubbing up is recommended. Where possible, this should be combined with a period of soil rest. Chemical disinfection of the soil is not permitted.
• Large-scale topographical changes must be carefully considered in relation to their impact on the environment and the harmony of the landscape, as well as the existence of high-value ecological areas and respect for the terroir.

Vine nutrition

Vine nutrition is based on the plant's needs in terms of exported nutrients and the mineral and organic reserves in the soil:

• The supply of fertilisers must be compatible with high-quality grape production, good vine health and the maintenance of balanced soil fertility.
• The quantity of elements to be added must be based on soil analysis and observation of the plant (nitrogen). Soil fertility must be checked regularly. Nitrogen inputs must be carefully considered, based on the needs of the vine, the soil cover technique and the risk of leaching.
• Fertilisation standards must be applied in accordance with the fertilisation plan and balance sheet. These are published by the federal stations.
• The recycling of organic nutrients must be encouraged. Fertilisers or soil improvers contaminated with toxic or environmentally hazardous substances such as heavy metals or pathogenic microorganisms must not be used.
• Foliar fertilisation should be reserved for cases of clearly defined deficiency symptoms.

Soil maintenance

Soil maintenance aims to create optimal conditions for the plant, prevent erosion and soil compaction, as well as nutrient leaching, and promote biological diversity:

• All appropriate measures to protect the soil from erosion shall be implemented: grass cover, soil cover (straw, compost, vine shoots, etc.).
• *Grass cover should be managed according to the following factors:

- grape yield and quality;

- risk of erosion and soil compaction;

- level of rainfall and soil water reserves;

- training system and age of the vines;

- reduction in herbicide use;

- maintenance of biological diversity;

Vegetation cover on the soil in winter should be encouraged in order to prevent losses through leaching and winter erosion.

The use of herbicides must be reduced to the strict minimum. Preference should be given to products with low persistence, limiting their use during the season and taking into account the training system. Whenever possible, herbicides should be replaced by mechanical tillage, mulching or grass cover.

Irrigation

Irrigation should be applied as needed. Excessive irrigation can lead to the leaching of nutrients. Watering requirements can be assessed by calculating the water deficit and soil water reserves.

Irrigation should generally be limited to very dry areas, very shallow soils and young plantations. In principle, no watering should be carried out during the grape ripening period.

Vine training

Vines must be pruned, trained and managed in such a way as to ensure a good balance between vegetative growth and production. Vine training must, in particular, allow for good aeration of the bunches and good penetration of light and plant protection products. It is an important preventive measure.

Plant protection

The aim of plant protection is to effectively defend the vines against pests and diseases, while respecting the environment. All prophylactic measures must be implemented before resorting to direct control measures. When direct control is necessary, it is based on tolerance thresholds, risk assessment and information provided by official warning services.

Preventative measures

The following preventive measures are invaluable in protecting vineyards:

• grape varieties and clones adapted to the environment;
• vine training system;
• cultivation practices that help to limit pest and disease pressure (balanced fertilisation, irrigation, leaf work, etc.);
• soil maintenance (grass cover, tillage period, etc.);
• preservation of beneficial fauna.

Risk forecasting

Pest populations and the presence of diseases must be monitored regularly. Control methods and tolerance thresholds must be applied. Information from fungal disease forecasting models is monitored and official warnings are followed.

Choice of plant protection products

The plant protection products chosen must be as harmless as possible to humans and the environment, while ensuring effective control of pests, diseases or weeds. Gentle, biological or biotechnical control methods are to be preferred. Information on residues, vinification, unintended effects on beneficial organisms, toxicity to bees, the risk of resistance development and water and soil pollution must be respected. The choice of plant protection products is made according to detailed guidelines in a list drawn up each year by VITISWISS. This list provides information on application rates based on vine development, the toxicity of products to beneficial insects and their effectiveness.

Application techniques

The application technique, choice of equipment and weather conditions must ensure optimal and targeted distribution of plant protection products, while protecting the user and the environment. Treatment equipment is regularly adjusted and checked by approved workshops. The dosage of the products is adapted to the growth of the vine, the training system and the equipment used. When purchasing new equipment, particular attention should be paid to the quality of its components (nozzles, pump, spray quality, etc.).

Storage and handling of plant protection products

The storage, preparation and disposal of packaging and residues of plant protection products must comply with official requirements and recommendations for the protection of users and the environment.

Vineyard surroundings and biodiversity

The vineyard and its immediate surroundings are an important habitat for many animal species, including valuable beneficial organisms (typhlodromes, parasitoids, spiders, ground beetles, lizards, etc.) and a wide variety of plant species. These highly diverse biotopes, consisting of steppes, dry meadows, rocks, embankments and walls, are also an integral part of the wine-growing landscape. Maintaining and respecting these areas goes hand in hand with environmentally friendly and responsible viticulture. Particular attention must be paid to caring for existing biotopes and creating new sites rich in biodiversity.

Mandatory information

The information was researched by the VITISWISS Technical Commission, composed of experts from the federal stations of Changins and Wädenswil and the cantonal stations (GE, VD, VS, NE, TI, ZH).