Attitudes and Behaviours of Certified Winegrowers towards the Design and Implementation of Biodiversity Farming Strategies

Substantial environmental impacts and loss of resilience occurs with conventional vineyard designs characterized by monotonous specialized production. Studies support the restoration green infrastructure (GI) introduction other production systems as promising biodiversity design strategies. However, little is known about degree to which winegrowers are implementing them. We surveyed Willamette valley, Oregon, certified sustainable potential early adopters innovative Results revealed growers were up 11 different types GI components, providing them 16 ecosystem services, six disservices. The was implemented at three spatial scales, pursuing a sharing strategy fine sparing intermediate farm-wide scales. Only biodynamic farmers had valued additional systems. Growers can improve implementation their adopting an integrated multi-system whole farm approach. Key enablers for grower and/or included: (1) Grower awareness value strategy’s services functions, (2) knowledge management, (3) certifier requirements GI, (4) availability land incapable growing quality grapes, (5) backup in case failure, (6) low risk regional pest outbreaks, (7) premium wine prices, (8) strong cultural heritage ethics. Further research required identify effective ways advance these among growers, within certification government programmes, strategies growers.