1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

REACT4MED

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes, Istituto Agronomico Mediterraneo di Bari (CIHEAM IAMB)

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

Comments:

Organic farming avoids contamination of soil and water by eliminating the use of chemical fertilisers and other synthetic inputs.

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Organic Farming (OF) of table grape production in Apulia region is estimated at 8.5% of the total area. The advantages of OF include an increase in soil organic matter, better water holding capacity and lower soil salinity.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The EU Green Deal programme targets the conversion of 25% of agriculture into organic farming. Italy is close to 20% (as of 2024), and progress is being made towards the 25% target. Organic farming (OF) of fresh table grape production in Apulia region is estimated at about 8.5% of the total area of 35,000 ha. There are clear advantages of OF over conventional production methods in terms of soil heath. Soil organic matter is increased and water holding capacity is improved. Lower levels of soil salinity are also observed, principally due to the elimination of chemical fertilisers. Production is supported by modern, digitised, drip irrigation systems that increase water use efficiency.

Organic table grapes are produced at farm level. The main characteristics are based on the principles of organic farming, namely those of Health, Ecology, Fairness and Care. These principles guide the production system in (i) promoting soil, plant, animal, and human health, (ii) sustaining healthy ecological systems, (iii) ensuring fairness for all involved, and (iv) taking a precautionary and accountable approach to protect the environment for now and for future generations. Organic farming aims to produce food that sustains the health of the soil, plants, animals, humans, and thus the planet as an indivisible whole. This involves nurturing living systems rather than trying to control them, while promoting a strong and healthy environment.

The main purpose of organic table grape farming is to produce healthy grapes without hurting the environment, and in particular protecting soil and water from contamination. In the production system, inputs include organic manure to increase and maintain soil organic matter, and the encouragement of beneficial insects for pest control. The major benefits of farming this way are the production of better-quality grapes, while simultaneously improving soil health. Furthermore, the selling price of organic grapes attracts a premium of about 30%. This compensates for the lower yields that often occur as a result of eliminating synthetic chemical inputs.
Organic farming in Italy is regulated by the DECRETO LEGISLATIVO of 6 October 2023, no. 148 that sets out standards of production that are the basis of official certification.

However organic farming is not mainstream in fresh grape production, and many farmers remain reluctant to adopt it. This is mainly related to the need for biological means of pest and disease control that do not work effectively all the time, unlike synthetic chemical pesticides and fungicides that are not permitted under OF. This has consequences on yields and potentially on farmers’ income.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through land users' innovation

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The technology is also promoted by the EU Green Deal where the targets are to convert 25% of EU agriculture into OF by 2030.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• conserve ecosystem
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• create beneficial economic impact
• create beneficial social impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• full irrigation

Comments:

Irrigation is crucial for table grape production. Water comes from several dams in the area and from groundwater.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• integrated soil fertility management
• integrated pest and disease management (incl. organic agriculture)
• irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

EUR

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

0.85

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Soil preparation	Winter
2.	Location of cemented piles	Winter
3.	Rootstock planting	Winter
4.	Grafting	Winter
5.	Establish irrigation and fertigation system	Winter
6.		Fall

Comments:

Grape cultivation requires first soil preparation, followed by establishing the cemented piles that form the framework to support the grapes. Then planting is carried out using rootstock filoxera resistant varieties upon which the grafting is carried out. All of this is supported by an irrigation system.

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

If you are unable to break down the costs in the table above, give an estimation of the total costs of establishing the Technology:

30000.0

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

100% by the land users

Comments:

The costs of establishing fresh table grape plantations are covered 100% by the land users - mostly big companies with adequate financial resources.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Irrigation	Every 10 days during the irrigation season
2.	Application of organic inputs	Once per year in winter
3.	Weeding	Frequently during the growing season
4.	Pruning	Once a year

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

If you are unable to break down the costs in the table above, give an estimation of the total costs of maintaining the Technology:

10000.0

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

100% by the land users

Comments:

All maintenance costs are covered by land users

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Raw materials, like rootstock, irrigation systems, tractors and labour costs

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Flatlands

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Cambisol/Fluvisol soil types, basic pH above 7.5, good CEC values, lower salinity, low soil organic matter less than 1.5%

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

Yes

Specify:

Areas located close to the Ioanian Sea expose salinity problems

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Yes

Regularity:

episodically

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Water quality deriving from the above ground dams is of good quality but during the summer irrigation season is not enough to satisfy farmers needs, then many of them have drilled wells and pump groundwater for their needs. Often such water is saline.

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

Mostly herbacous plants along the drainage canals. Soil biodiversity dominated by earthworms and billions of microorganisms.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• company
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

No

Specify:

Not traditional, regulated by the Government laws

Comments:

All land rights are in line with EU rules

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Water availability and quality

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):

Data were collected in the context of the PRIMA funded REACT4MED project: a combination of data, expert assessment and farmer testimony

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

Data were collected in the context of the PRIMA funded REACT4MED project: a combination of data, expert assessment and farmer testimony

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
seasonal rainfall	summer	decrease	moderately

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
flash flood	moderately

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 11-50%

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

3000 hectares

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 11-50%

Comments:

In some cases there are EU subsidies to convert to OF but farmers complain about bureaucracy and red tape.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Organic Farming in fresh table grapes requires dedication from farmers and rigorous application of technology.
Production may be lower in terms of quantity but the quality is better, translated into higher selling price
This requires however, raising awareness of customers for such products and willingness to pay a higher price for a healthy product.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Organic Farming has also benefits for soil health, biodiversity and overall environment

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Weaknesses are mostly related to the willingness of some farmers to change their methods of farming	Spread the positive results, show concrete examples where the technology worked out well.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Converting to OF is not easy and straightforward. Many farmers fear that they will lose income and will be subject to severe controls from the regional authorities and their product may not be certified, so they could lose the market.	Correct application of the methodology.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Restoration, Indicators, and Participatory Solutions: Addressing Water Scarcity in Mediterranean Agriculture. Perrino, E.V.; Zdruli, P.; Piscitelli, L.; D’Agostino. 2025

Available from where? Costs?

Agronomy 2025, 15, 1517. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071517

7.4 General comments

Results reported here are based on the work done by CIHEAM Bari team in the REACT4MED project.