Transforming Viticulture
Interview with Javier Tardáguila, CEO of Altavitis
Altavitis develops and provides advanced services based on advanced sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence, with the aim of promoting the development of agriculture and the agri-food industry towards greater efficiency and sustainability. It provides disruptive technology for the digital transformation of the viticulture sector, making it smarter, more efficient, and at the same time sustainable and accessible for a wide variety of operations.
What benefits does precision viticulture bring to vineyard management?
Precision viticulture improves the decision-making of a winery’s technical manager because it helps them work in a more rational and objective manner, always based on data collection and analysis. Currently, precision viticulture is improving vineyard management by reducing environmental impact and increasing resource efficiency. This includes phytosanitary products, water, fertilizers… This means saving time and money.
Are precision viticulture and sustainable viticulture synonymous?
They are also synonymous with profitable viticulture. For example, at Altavitis, we work to reduce the use of phytosanitary products. One way to do this is through early and rapid detection of pests and diseases, so they can be tackled more efficiently, reducing pesticide use by up to 40%. One consequence of climate change is the emergence of new pests and diseases. Additionally, more efficient use of water, a strategic resource in our country, is required. To achieve this, we propose the use of simple, quick, and non-invasive tools for the viticulturist, such as thermography. Thermography measures the leaf temperature of plants, and with this data, irrigation needs can be estimated.
How is artificial intelligence applied to pest detection?
How is the vineyard saved with artificial intelligence?
What is the step-by-step process from the vineyard to computer analysis?
What tools are being used in the field for efficient irrigation management?
How are precision tools being used for harvesting?
We are talking about grape composition and production. Today, we have tools that allow for the rapid determination of grape composition, thus determining the harvest date. For this, quick and non-invasive techniques are used, replacing traditional sampling where grapes had to be taken for analysis. Now we have new tools capable of determining the composition (sugars, acidity…) directly in the field.
Would it only be profitable for large producers? From how many hectares would it be justified?
Artificial intelligence in the field is profitable for all economies. The entry barrier has been reduced in a short time: artificial intelligence services in the field help make better decisions, which means reducing costs, such as in the case of reducing phytosanitary products where not only is there a lower environmental impact but also cost savings. These are tools to achieve more efficient viticulture with fewer resources: artificial intelligence is the best investment for the bottom line of viticulturists and wineries.
