This report presents a private Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) of four alternative innovations designed to reduce the use of contentious plant protection products (PPPs) in vineyards and olive groves developed within the main research line of the NOVATERRA project. The aim is to assess the economic implications of adopting these alternatives, providing farmers and policymakers with clear insights into the financial impacts of transitioning from contentious PPPs to more sustainable innovations. The innovations analyzed include Smart Canopy Characterization, Robot with End-Effector, Biosolutions, and Cover Crops with Floral Margins. Each innovation was evaluated for its effect on private costs and benefits before and after implementation.
Smart Canopy Characterization offers precision farming tools that optimize vineyard management through real time data-driven insights, while the Robot with End-Effector automates vineyard soil maintenance, reducing labor and herbicide usage. Biosolutions, which combine biostimulants and biocontrol products with reduced doses of copper and sulfur, require no initial investment but have a 20% increase in running costs. Cover Crops with Floral Margins enhance biodiversity in olive groves, reducing pest incidence and improving soil health.
