ProEcoWine · Development of a process to generate a novel plant protection product enriched with micronutrients to replace copper in organic viticulture

We are a Trans-European partnership of 6 SMEs from 5 EU Member States planning to develop a novel bio-fungicide to treat common grapevine fungal diseases. Across Europe, the fungal diseases downy mildew and botrytis cause problems in all vineyards, reduce yield and impair wine quality. Current methods of treating these diseases in traditional farming and particularly organic farming require the use of copper fungicides. However, their use is now limited in Europe by Council regulation (EEC) No 2092/91. This limits the efficacy of fungicides, decreases yields and increases wine production costs. Our innovative microalgae plant protection product enriched with micronutrients will enable the replacement of copper fungicides in organic and conventional viticulture, increase yield in organic vineyards by up to 30% and decrease production costs per unit by up to 20%. This will increase the competitiveness of EU wines and support the development of the organic market in Europe. Within 6 years of project completion and after 5 years of marketing our product, we anticipate a 16% share of the fungicide market for our primary application (treatment of downy mildew and Botrytis in grapevines) which will be sales of an estimated €52 million.