Start of the operation: "Water saving and reduction of fertilizer inputs in the vineyards of Kefalonia" within the framework of Measure 16 of the RDP 2014-2020
Within the framework of the Rural Development Program 2014 – 2020 (Measure 16), and in particular the Sub-Measure 16.1 – 16.5 "Cooperation for environmental projects, environmental practices and actions for climate change", the start of the implementation of the regional action was announced, titled: " Saving water and reducing inputs of fertilizers in the vineyards of Kefalonia" (M16SYN2-00196). It is worth pointing out that Kefalonia is the only Ionian island that produces PDO wines, prominent among which is "Robola Kefallinia".
The act will pilot innovative measures that can save soil moisture during critical stages of the growing season in Kefalonia's vineyards and provide significant amounts of nutrients, thus achieving the goal of reducing fertilizer inputs, at a time when fertilization costs for producers has skyrocketed due to the recent energy crisis. In addition, this action aims to: a) reduce the carbon footprint and limit nitrogen losses from leaching and denitrification, and b) maintain the health of the vineyard soils.
The Operational Group consists of 7 partners, with the coordinating body ELGO "DIMITRA", and in particular the Soil and Water Resources Institute (SWRI), in Thermi Thessaloniki. The other members of the working group are the Ionian University (Department of Food Technology, Laboratory of Soil Science), the Agricultural University of Athens (Laboratory of Viticulture), the Agricultural Wine Cooperative of Producers of Robolas of Kefallinia ('OREALIOS GI'), the EURICON Development Consultants Ltd., the Network for Biodiversity and Ecology in Georgia ('AEGILOPAS') and Dr. Argyrios Gerakis, farm consultant.
The operation has a duration of 36 months, with a completion date of December 2025. It is expected to be one of the most important efforts in our country to evaluate the results of the implementation of reduced tillage, as well as the combined application of reduced tillage: i) with organic fertilization and ii) with slow nitrogen release fertilizers, in the vineyards of the island.
With the co-funding of Greece and the European Union