Unleashing profitability of vineyards through the adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles technology systems: the case of two Italian wineries

Purpose: Precision agriculture technologies play an important role in optimising practices to increase yields and reduce costs, contributing to socio-economic progress and environmental well-being, and playing a key role in addressing climate change. Viticulture is a strategic, input-intensive agricultural sector where precision technologies can make the use of resources more efficient without compromising profitability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the profitability of implementing precision farming systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicle surveying for the production of vigour maps, compared to the conventional cultivation system in two Italian wineries. Methods: The profitability of using precision farming tools in viticulture compared to conventional management techniques has been investigated in two Italian wineries over a four-year period, before and after the introduction of UAV technology. Results: The results demonstrate the usefulness and economic viability of precision agriculture technologies in viticulture. The vigour maps produced by the data collected with UAV technology allow both the identification of problems such as diseases, and consequently the planning of phytosanitary treatments, and selective grape harvesting, which allows a significant improvement in the quality of the harvested grapes. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the usefulness of precision technologies for cost-effective and sustainable vineyard management, satisfying a market segment made up of stakeholders who are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues.