ECO UVA Operational Group: Integrated strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of winemaking practices

1.1: Development of proprietary UV-C technology for powdery mildew and downy mildew control. Given the growing demand for residue-free practices and the limitations on pesticide use, UV-C is being explored as a scientifically validated but still underutilized alternative. To achieve this, field efficacy trials will be conducted, quantifying the beneficial effects on fungal control, the potential harmful effects on the plant ecosystem, and the effects on grape quality. Implementing UV-C technology offers farmers a residue-free alternative for fungal disease control, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and helping them comply with increasingly stringent regulations. Users can integrate UV-C treatments into their crop management strategies to improve sustainability without compromising crop health or harvest quality.

1.2: Validation of the use of ozone as a phytosanitary treatment. Ozone is a solution with biocidal potential and minimal environmental impact. Its validation will allow for the definition of dosages, application timing, and comparative efficacy with conventional treatments. The use of ozone provides an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative for pathogen control, significantly reducing the use of chemical phytosanitary products and, therefore, their environmental impact and associated health risks. Validation of this technology will allow for the establishment of optimized application protocols based on the crop, phenological stage, and environmental conditions, guaranteeing its efficacy and safety. Furthermore, it will facilitate its integration into integrated pest and disease management strategies, combining it with other sustainable solutions. End users will be able to apply these treatments with greater technical and regulatory certainty, improving the sustainability of their farms, the quality of production, and their alignment with market demands and current regulations.

2.1: Analysis of the performance, autonomy, and load of electric tractors under real-world conditions. The use of electric machinery in viticulture is still in its early stages. To achieve this result, objective evidence will be generated of the operational performance of an electric tractor in different planting structures (trellised, goblet, slopes, narrow spacing, etc.) and its performance with various agricultural implements used on farms. During field tests, real-world working conditions will be recorded, and a comparative analysis will be made with conventional machinery. The following aspects will be specifically considered: operability (work capacity, effective time, downtime, autonomy), performance (power output, effective speed), adaptability (working on slopes, in confined spaces, maneuverability), ergonomics and usability (ease of communication, practicality, response time), energy consumption, and operating and fixed costs.

2.2: Estimation of energy savings and emissions reductions compared to conventional machinery. During testing with the electric prototype(s), and in collaboration with the machinery supplier, data on energy consumption and emissions generated and/or avoided will be collected. The greenhouse gases avoided will be estimated, and an analysis of energy costs and the feasibility of real-world operation will be conducted. Demonstrating energy savings and emissions reductions will support the transition to low-carbon farming systems. Farmers will be able to use these results to assess the economic and environmental benefits of electrification. This information will allow them to identify the conditions under which electric machinery is most efficient, facilitating more precise decision-making based on the characteristics of each farm. The results will help justify investments, access potential public subsidies related to decarbonization, and align farms with regulatory requirements.

3.1 Validation of autonomous systems for the application of ultraviolet (UV-C) light treatments in the field. Autonomous and precise application reduces input use and improves sustainability. To achieve this, the technical, environmental, and economic performance of an electric-powered autonomous vehicle for UV-C application will be validated. Through routine field operations, the performance and limitations of the assembled systems will be determined at different vegetative stages of the crop and in different viticultural scenarios. The same criteria as those outlined in section R2.1 for vehicles and R1.1 for disease control efficacy and potential effects on pests and beneficial insects will be considered. Autonomous UV-C application systems can reduce labor requirements and improve the precision of treatment application, promoting more efficient resource use. Users can adopt these technologies to automate repetitive tasks, increase operational efficiency, and improve consistency in disease control.

3.2 Functional and Operational Comparison Between the UV-C Application Prototype and the Autonomous Onboard System. A comparative analysis will be conducted between the ultraviolet (UV-C) light application prototype developed in R1.1 and the commercially available autonomous system integrated onto an electric platform, validated in R3.1. Both systems will be jointly evaluated under field conditions, considering criteria such as phytosanitary efficacy, treatment coverage, energy efficiency, degree of automation, ease of operation, and operating cost. This comparative analysis will allow users to confidently select the most suitable technology based on performance, cost, and ease of use. It will provide detailed information on the advantages and limitations of each solution in different cropping scenarios. Farmers will be able to use this information to choose between different UV-C application systems according to their operational needs and investment capacity.

4.1 Multi-criteria evaluation of implemented solutions. Objective indicators such as effectiveness, costs, emissions, and adoptability, among others, will be defined for each technology. Data will be systematically collected, and comparative and results reports will be prepared to facilitate drawing conclusions, identifying areas for improvement, and generating practical recommendations for adoption. The evaluation framework will provide farmers with clear, evidence-based indicators to assess the benefits and limitations of each technology. Furthermore, it will allow for a structured comparison between different solutions under real-world conditions, facilitating a comprehensive view of their technical, economic, and environmental impact. Users will be able to rely on these results to make decisions, prioritize investments, and adopt the most effective and sustainable solutions. This approach will also help reduce the uncertainty associated with incorporating new technologies, promoting their acceptance and adoption in the sector.

4.2 Proposed Conclusions, Recommendations, and Scaling-Up Strategies. This section ensures the practical transferability of the results obtained, adapted to different operating models, and promotes their adoption beyond the project. To this end, conclusions and lessons learned documents will be prepared, key points for scaling up the technologies in different operating profiles will be identified, and practical recommendations for their implementation will be drafted. Furthermore, this includes the development of transfer and dissemination materials and the presentation of the different solutions to key stakeholders in the sector. The resulting guides and recommendations will facilitate the practical adoption and scaling up of the technologies in different operating models. Users will be able to leverage these results to implement the solutions more effectively, adapt them to their specific context, and maximize both economic and environmental benefits.

RD1: Publicize the project and its results. Communication and outreach activities will disseminate the GO ECO-UVA project and its results among winegrowers, wineries, companies in the sector, research centers, public administrations, and the general public. Channels such as specialized and general media, websites, social networks, newsletters, and technical events will be used to share the progress and results, ensuring their reach at the national level and in the main wine-producing regions. From a practical standpoint, users will have access to clear technical information on the technologies and practices developed, including their applicability, benefits, and limitations. This will facilitate their adoption in real-world conditions, improve decision-making, and allow for the optimization of production processes. Furthermore, the results will contribute to promoting more sustainable and efficient production models that are aligned with regulatory and market demands.

RD2: To encourage companies and organizations to replicate the project in order to innovate, grow, or adopt more innovative and effective techniques and practices. Dissemination activities will promote the transfer of the GO ECO-UVA project results to companies, cooperatives, clusters, technology centers, and organizations in the agri-food, wine, and energy sectors. Through channels such as websites, social media, newsletters, technical resources, events, and professional platforms, technical and demonstrative content will be disseminated to facilitate the understanding and replicability of the solutions in different production contexts. From a practical standpoint, users will be able to identify opportunities to apply the validated technologies to their farms or business models. This information will allow them to assess the technical and economic feasibility of these technologies, reducing the uncertainty associated with their adoption and fostering innovation, competitiveness, and the transition to more sustainable systems.

RD3: To raise social awareness about the importance of implementing sustainability strategies and to educate the public about the effects of climate change. Dissemination activities will share the results of the GO ECO-UVA project with the public, highlighting the importance of adopting sustainable practices in the wine sector. Accessible content about the environmental benefits of the developed solutions and their contribution to climate change mitigation will be disseminated through channels such as press, websites, social media, and radio, reaching consumers, young people, the media, and other stakeholders. From a practical standpoint, this information will improve knowledge and perceptions of sustainability in wine production, encouraging changes in consumption habits and greater acceptance of these practices. It will also help strengthen the sector's commitment to the ecological transition and create a more favorable environment for the adoption of sustainable solutions.

RD4: Internal Communication. Internal communication activities will ensure the successful development of the GO ECO-UVA project through seamless coordination among consortium members, collaborators, and technical staff. Tools such as progress reports, shared calendars, common repositories, video calls, and email will guarantee the continuous exchange of information on progress, results, and activity planning, as well as the tracking of milestones and deliverables. From a practical standpoint, these tools will facilitate decision-making, alignment among partners, and the early detection of deviations or adjustments needed. Furthermore, they will optimize project management in terms of time, resources, and goal achievement, improving internal coordination and ensuring the efficient and consistent execution of all planned activities.