A social–ecological approach to analyse systemic changes toward agroecological practices in vineyards under geographical indications: A case study of ground cover management in the Anjou-Saumur wine area (France)

Abstract

Agroecology offers solutions to viticulture challenges, including climate adaptation, reducing phytosanitary product use, and preserving biodiversity and soil quality. In France, where most viticultural production is under geographical indications, strict product specifications regulate practices. Although agricultural policies continue to encourage changes in practices, the question arises as to how to encourage these changes in the context of winegrowing under protected designations of origin. This study contributes to research on viticultural agroecology with a new analytical approach to studying viticultural practices at the farm level by adapting the social–ecological system framework (SES). We conceptualise the viticultural agroecosystem as an agroecological resource system where viticultural practices are considered as interactions between winegrowers and their agroecosystems. Using a mixed-method approach, we analysed data from 34 semi-structured interviews with winegrowers in the Anjou-Saumur region of France. Our findings are twofold. First, by classifying winegrowers based on ground cover management, we reveal diverse transition pathways toward zero-herbicide viticulture, linked to environmental certifications such as Organic Agriculture, High Environmental Value, or Terra Vitis. Second, we highlight that many winegrowers consider several agroecological issues when choosing their practices. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of agro-viticultural practices, incorporating both productive and non-productive zones across small territories. Our results also allow for a better understanding of the agroecological transition by identifying the differences in individual reasoning within a collective associated with protected designations of origin.