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Imagine being able to care for vines individually, meeting nutrient and water needs for each plant, like a home-grower would, but on a commercial scale. Verdi is getting closer to making this a reality with technologically advanced, in-vineyard valves that control the flow of inputs.
Arthur Chen, Verdi’s CEO, says the company is testing the system at a sub-block section level and is working towards creating an affordable solution to support the unique health of every single plant.
“It’s like a brain in each of these boxes,” he explains. “They can help to decide how much inputs should go into each section.”
The small black boxes, which can be retrofitted for existing drip irrigation systems, collect some plant data while Verdi is also making use of satellite imagery for more. This information allows the fully-automated system to determine and adjust the right flow of water and fertilizers to each section of plants through the valve. Not only does this improve yields, it also increases plant vigour, reduces disease pressure and gives more control of grape growth and growing condition-driven flavours.
Trials are underway with Quails’ Gate and Arterra Wines’ Jackson-Triggs brand and will soon be part of the process at Tantalus and Mark Anthony Group’s Mission Hill Family Estate brand. Chen wants to see BC’s grape-growing regions continue to be recognized around the world. He says there’s a strong awareness of how good BC’s wines are and it’s something Verdi can help enhance through increased plant health.
“It’s definitely one of the top growing regions,” he says of the province. “We can help growers not only improve their yield… but to help them with quality… and produce more wines at that top quality.”