Protection in viticulture: innovation needs and perception of the society

Abstract: The launch of the European Innovation Partnership on Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP AGRI) in 2012 by the European Commission brought to greater attention the importance to facilitate the identification of real innovation needs from farmers and to support the transfer of research results into innovative solutions in the field. Viticulture was indicated as one of the sectors where special attention was needed. On the light of it, a specific focus group on viticulture started, within the framework of the Italian National Rural Network and National EIP AGRI contact point activities, aimed to identify, collect and discuss the major problems and the innovation needs in phytosanitary protection in viticulture and its perception by the citizens. Preliminary results of six meetings and several interviews to grape growers and citizens are reported here.