Definition: Integrated production (viticulture in)

Also known as 'environmentally friendly viticulture' or 'integrated pest management', integrated production (IP, now PER, required ecological services) meets virtually all the strict requirements of the organic label. If necessary, for example to combat powdery mildew and downy mildew, IP winegrowers may use certain synthetic chemicals that are not authorised in organic viticulture. They will intervene as little as possible, using only contact products that do not penetrate the sap (no systemic products). Integrated viticulture can therefore be considered a new, more flexible ecological standard aimed at preserving the vineyard ecosystem. Limited use of fertilisers and phytosanitary products, as well as the application of certain cultivation methods, such as grass cover in the vineyard, are required. IP has had a major impact in the main wine-producing countries of Europe, more so than organic viticulture, because IP is an effective, flexible and less restrictive system, resulting in lower production costs than organic and biodynamic viticulture.