New Vineyard Technologies Recognised For Boosting Productivity And Reducing Environmental Impact

An intelligent protective network, a heroic tractor, increasingly efficient defence systems with a reduced impact on the environment. These are the main protagonists of the “Lucio Mastroberardino” Innovation Challenge, a competition promoted by ENOVITIS in campo that takes place every year during the dynamic exhibition organised by the Unione Italiana Vini dedicated to vineyard machinery and equipment (Tenuta di Nozzole, 17-18 June). The competition awards the best solutions for technical progress, efficiency and functionality, sustainability, practicality, environmental impact and quality of work. The 2026 edition of the contest, evaluated by a technical-scientific committee of academics, technicians and agronomic managers from user companies, highlighted a very dynamic sector in terms of phytosanitary protection and automation, with a strong focus on reducing operator workload and the efficiency of practices in the field.

The winners of the Technology Innovation Award—a recognition reserved for entries that are particularly innovative and worthy of a special mention—move precisely in this direction. Winning the award are Net Farming’s solar and automated protective net system, VitiSafe365, which adapts to weather conditions, and WM Technics’ VITRAC G2 implement carrier, an ultra-compact tractor designed to reduce field passes and increase efficiency on steep slopes. This focus on the most challenging vineyards also characterises the New Technology presented by Merlo: the Cingo Autonomous Driving multi-tool tracked carrier, which is capable of managing various tools and operating both autonomously or via remote control.

In the same category (which highlights solutions featuring even partial innovations), two other interesting solutions stand out—from a cost-rationalisation perspective too: the XAG R200 Agricultural Rover by Furaito, a high-precision, remote-controlled robot for spraying and transport, and a high-productivity vineyard sprayer, the NewPort TRIO articulated electrostatic sprayer by Martignani, which treats three rows simultaneously even on hillside vineyards.

Finally, focus shifts to crop protection with the New Technology by Yara Italia, the foliar biostimulant YaraAmplix ACTISIL based on silicon, choline and calcium. This is joined by the use of the parasitoid wasp Anagyrus vladimiri by CBC (Europe) to target pests such as vine mealybug—a solution honoured with the Green Innovation Award, a prize dedicated to achievements that drive improvements in one or more environmental sustainability goals.

The winners will be awarded on 17 June during the inaugural ceremony (11 a.m.) of the 20th edition of Enovitis in campo, scheduled until 18 June in Tuscany, in the vineyards of the Tenuta di Nozzole (Greve in Chianti – FI) belonging to the Folonari family. In the heart of Chianti Classico, the exhibition serves as a showcase for the most compelling solutions—ranging from robotics to electrification, from correct soil and canopy management to organic farming, all the way to crop protection products, biostimulants and vineyard planting materials. The programme features live demonstrations of machinery and equipment, alongside thematic training sessions designed for wineries, oenologists, agronomists, technicians and winemakers interested in the most modern solutions for agronomic operations.

For information and the updated programme: http://www.enovitisincampo.it/.