By Christopher Kennard | Project Manager | RFF
The French wine industry is a cornerstone of the national economy, deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural heritage and global reputation. In 2023, France reclaimed its position as the world’s leading wine producer, with an estimated production of 48 million hectolitres, which account for an estimated 20% of the global wine output[1]. This dominance not only reinforces France’s role in international wine markets but also secures its place as a leader in global viticulture. Financially, the sector remains robust, with wine exports reaching EUR 11.2 billion in 2023[2]. This substantial revenue highlights the industry’s importance as one of France’s largest export contributors. However, the figure marks a slight decline from previous years, largely due to shifting consumer preferences and broader economic challenges.
Beyond its well-documented sectoral global expertise, the French wine industry sits as a major employer nationally, and internationally, where in 2021 it supported more than 550,000 jobs across vineyard cultivation, production, distribution, and tourism[3]. The sector also plays a critical role in sustaining rural economies, as many small towns and regions depend on viticulture as a primary source of income. Despite its economic significance, the industry faces growing challenges, including declining domestic consumption and overproduction, which have led to increased strategic efforts in vineyard management and market diversification. To navigate these evolving dynamics, winemakers are focusing on sustainable practices and alternative markets to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
The Growing Threat of Vineyard Diseases
However, the grape industry is increasingly under threat from vineyard diseases such as Grapevine Leafroll disease (GLD) and Bois Noir disease (BN), both of which significantly impact crop yields and fruit quality.
GLD, caused by various viruses known as Grapevine Leafroll-associated Viruses (mainly GLRaV-1 and GLRaV-3 – Figure 1), is primarily transmitted by scale insects. In France, there are four main species of scale insects, divided into two families (armored and mealybugs). This disease leads to leaf discoloration with veins remaining green, leaf rolling, reduced photosynthesis, and delayed fruit ripening.
In regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, infected vineyards can experience financial losses ranging between EUR 10,000 and EUR 30,000 per hectare, annually. A study conducted in Washington State further estimated that, over a 20-year period, GLD could cost growers up to USD 20,000 per acre due to a decrease in grape quality and overall yield [4], contrasted with 2016 estimates of USD 7,500 per acre replaced[5].
Another major challenge for French vineyards is Bois Noir (BN), caused by the phytoplasma Candidatus Phytoplasma solani. This disease is present in several host plants, primarily field bindweed and stinging nettle, and is transmitted by a planthopper species. However, vines are not its natural habitat, which is why the insects do not stay on them for long and, more importantly, cannot acquire the phytoplasma from an infected vine— a key difference from the epidemiology of Flavescence Dorée (FD).
BN symptoms include leaf yellowing and rolling, grape shriveling, and, in severe cases, vine death. This disease poses a significant threat to the wine industry due to its direct effects: yield losses caused by the infertility of infected vines and high removal costs, which can sometimes be unfeasible due to the widespread nature of infections. BN also has considerable indirect effects, particularly in complicating the management of FD, a quarantine disease. Because BN and FD produce identical symptoms in vines, BN acts as a confounding factor, delaying the detection of initial FD infections. This challenge increases costs and workload for field surveys (longer prospecting times and more extensive testing) and leads to disengagement among stakeholders responsible for vineyard health monitoring.
Securing the Future: Innovation and Adaptation
With the future in mind, both the local level French and broader European grape industries face mounting challenges stemming from both vineyard diseases as well as climate-driven environmental changes. Looking ahead, both the French and broader European grape industries face intensifying challenges from vineyard diseases and climate-driven environmental changes. To secure a sustainable and profitable future for viticulture, there is an urgent need for investment in research and development, particularly in:
- Disease-resistant grape varieties, reducing susceptibility to major pathogens.
- Sustainable vineyard practices, minimizing environmental impact while enhancing resilience.
- Advanced monitoring and early detection systems, enabling rapid intervention to control disease outbreaks.
As a response to the escalating threats, STELLA’s holistic digital system is emerging as a frontline solution for early pest and disease detection. This integrated platform offers vital support in training, policy development, and data-driven management, empowering growers to fortify the industry against evolving threats. By leveraging such innovations, the long-term economic health of both the French and European wine sectors will ultimately depend on their capacity to adapt to these challenges while maintaining their status as global leaders in high-quality, sustainable winemaking.
[1] https://www.oiv.int/sites/default/files/2024-04/OIV_STATE_OF_THE_WORLD_VINE_AND_WINE_SECTOR_IN_2023.pdf
[2] https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2024/08/13/drop-in-wine-consumption-is-reshaping-french-vineyards_6714593_19.html
[3] https://earsc.org/sebs/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Making-wine-in-france-vfinal-1.pdf
[4] https://rex.libraries.wsu.edu/esploro/outputs/graduate/Studies-on-cost-analysis-of-viral/99900591863201842
[5] https://www.goodfruit.com/leafroll-virus-is-costly/#:~:text=Expect%20to%20pay%20%24100%20per,and%20replant%20an%20infected%20vineyard.&text=Grapevine%20leafroll%20virus%20is%20very,%2Dgrape%2Dgrowing%20regions%20show
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