Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Promoting Traditional Vineyard Management on a Greek Island
Summary
A local agri-environment scheme on a Greek island is addressing the pressure upon traditional agriculture and the environment from urbanisation and tourism developments, whilst also supporting high quality wine production.
Background
The Aegean island of Santorini is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history which created a mini archipelago of islands characterised by steep cliffs. Traditional cliff-face vineyard terraces (known as ‘pezoules’) are found here and Santorini’s wine making methods date back over 3 500 years with their distinctive non-linear pattern of vine cultivation and unique pruning techniques that curl their crops into shapes (‘kouloura’) resembling round baskets.
Objective
Around 1 100 hectares of vines are grown on Santorini, but are under threat. The Greek government has therefore committed around €3 million (2007-2013) to a local agri-environment scheme in order to: 1) preserve the traditional agricultural practices associated with the vineyards; 2) preserve the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of the volcanic island; 3) protect the soil from erosion, and; 3) conserve the indigenous vineyard varieties.
Main activities
Farmers owning vines on the island are eligible to receive 900 €/ha/year within a 5 year Agri-environment Management Agreement if they agree to the following commitments: a) to maintain the traditional way of cultivation and pruning; b) to maintain the ‘pezoules’ (terraces), lines of trees / hedges and the vineyard field margins; c) not to use herbicides or fire, and; d) to follow all rules set by national and european legislation. Compliance with these commitments is checked regularly.
Results & Benefits
The scheme was announced in 2006 as part of the Greek RDP. It was originally initiated by Santorini Winemakers Co-operative (SANTO) which encourages all members to participate in the scheme. There are currently 605 vineyard owners with 657 hectares participating and another call for new applications is due in 2011. The environmental benefits cannot be fully assessed yet, but the continuation of the local wine making activities has clear socio-economic benefits for the island community.
Lessons learnt
Pressure from urbanisation and tourism upon traditional agriculture and the environment is a common problem on islands such as Santorini. However, with the active involvement of all interested parties this problem can be addressed. One very effective incentive for the maintainance of traditional agricultural is the production of high value quality products - environmental benefits are clearly best met when economic interests are also considered.
Project location and other information
Santorini, Cyclades Islands, South Aegian region
Region
Notio Aigaio
RDP Territory
Greece
Total project cost (€)
2 956 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
2 512 600
National contribution (€)
443 400
Project website
Contact name
Santorini Winemakers Co-operative (SANTO)
Telephone
+30 22860 22596
Languages for contact
Greek
At a glance
Country
Greece
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2007
End Date:
31/12/2013
Theme / Measure:
Environment and Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainable use of agricultural land
214. Agri-environment payments
Keywords:
Agri-environment, Biodiversity, Rural heritage, Island, Wine
Last update
12/03/2014