Perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies implemented by the winegrowers of the Méntrida Denomination Region

This study focuses on the processes of developing climate change adaptation strategies by grape growers producing wine. This is part of a geographical approach that considers grape vine cultivation practices, the environment, and the effect on humans. The hypothesis tests the perception that climate change and the representations by stakeholders play an important role in the adaptation process and in the agricultural practices. Secondly, chosen agricultural practices strongly influence landscape changes, such as intensive viticulture versus traditional viticulture with different levels of mechanization. As of 2019, Spain is the leading wine exporting country. It joined the European Union in 1986. Spanish growers were concerned by premiums that were proposed to limit wine production surpluses on a community scale. This led to planting new cultivars which have turned out to be very productive. At the same time, the introduction of new viticultural and oenological practices has contributed to an overall improvement in wine quality. However, considering climate change, these practices may not continue to be sustainable. In February 2019, in the DO Méntrida Region of Castilla-La Mancha in Toledo, Spain, a special field survey was conducted to investigate this hypothesis. The first results show that different postures adopted by winegrowers regarding climate change, lead to changes in agricultural practices. However, the awareness and understanding of climate change remains very low. Some practices are counter to sustainable adaptation, despite the establishment of local awareness and information structures.

Chloé Plumas won an ISHS Young Minds Award for the best poster at the Chenin Blanc International Congress in France in July 2019.

Chloé Plumas, Laboratory CNRS 7324 Citeres, 33 allée Ferdinand de Lesseps, 37204 Tours cedex, France, e-mail: Chloe.plumas@etu.univ-tours.fr

The article is available in Chronica Horticulturae