The “Cooperation for Upskilling and Building Regional Ecosystems in Sustainable Precision Viticulture” (VTskills) project kicked off on February 5th and 6th in Florence, marking the beginning of an ambitious journey towards revolutionizing the viticulture sector through sustainable practices and precision viticulture.
This unique event brought together the 14 project partners from five different countries: Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Belgium, providing a valuable opportunity for all members to get to know and lay down the groundwork for the project objectives. The Kick-Off Meeting (KOM) was the first contact point for discussing the strategic plan, goals, and roadmap for the upcoming activities. The final aim is to improve competencies and foster regional ecosystems in the viticulture sector.
The VTskills project, supported by a 1.5 M€ grant from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA-Project: 101139985 — ERASMUS-EDU-2023-PI-ALL-INNO) and led by the University of Sevilla, is set to run over the next three years. It aims to address the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling within the viticulture industry, focusing on adopting sustainable precision viticulture practices. By leveraging the latest technological advancements and sustainable farming methods, the project aspires to improve grape quality, reduce environmental impact, and increase the competitiveness and resilience of the viticulture sector.
Throughout its duration, VTskills will engage with various stakeholders, including vineyard owners, farmers, agricultural experts, technology providers, and educational institutions, to develop a comprehensive training and support framework. This framework will equip individuals and organizations with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement sustainable precision viticulture practices.
The project partners are optimistic about the positive impact VTskills will have on the viticulture sector, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange in achieving the project’s goals. The Kick-Off Meeting in Florence has set a solid foundation for a transformative project, potentially reshaping viticulture’s future towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced industry.
