GrapeBreed4IPM research project: design thinking workshop brings together twelve players from practice, research, politics and the market
Viticulture is currently facing structural changes. Regulations to reduce the use of pesticides, increasing demands for sustainability and the question of economic viability are presenting many businesses with new challenges. Against this backdrop, a design thinking workshop on the future of new robust grape varieties took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society.
The workshop was attended by 12 representatives from viticulture practice, research, breeding, politics, associations and the specialist trade. The participants worked in three interdisciplinary teams to bring together perspectives along the entire value chain of the wine sector.
In terms of content, the focus was on the role of new robust grape varieties, so-called PIWI(fungus-resistant) varieties. These are regarded as a key approach to reducing chemical plant protection measures in viticulture. At the same time, practical experience shows that technical solutions alone are not enough to achieve broad implementation. Market acceptance, communication and political framework conditions play a decisive role.
The workshop was part of the European research project GrapeBreed4IPM, which is funded by the EU's Horizon Europe program. More than 20 partners from research, viticulture and associations from several European countries are working together on the project. The aim is to further develop robust grape varieties and at the same time systematically analyze the conditions for their successful introduction to the market.
Work was carried out using the so-called design thinking method, which is based on structured collaboration, a variety of perspectives and iterative development. In several work phases, the participants identified key stakeholders, analyzed their needs and obstacles and derived specific questions for further project work. The teams then developed initial solutions that addressed marketing strategies, communication formats and institutional framework conditions, among other things.
The results of the workshop were presented at the end of the day in the form of prototypes and jointly reflected upon. They form a substantive basis for further work in the project and will be incorporated into a long-term, transnational PIWI roadmap with a perspective up to the year 2030. Similar design thinking workshops have been held in other European wine-growing countries in order to systematically record and analyze national differences and common challenges.
The event was organized by Wine Campus Neustadt. The workshop showed that the transformation of viticulture is not decided by breeding alone, but by the interaction of practice, science, market and politics.
Take part now: EU survey on the future of viticulture
A Europe-wide online survey for winegrowers, experts and consumers is currently underway as part of GrapeBreed4IPM. The aim is to gain a multi-voiced picture of the opportunities, challenges and expectations of new robust grape varieties and sustainable viticulture by 2030.
▶️ Go directly to the survey here: www.soscisurvey.de/grapebreed4ipm2
Your participation is anonymous, only takes a few minutes - and helps to develop well-founded and practical recommendations for the industry.