Digital Traceability System Reaches 100% Adoption Among Hérault Cooperative’s Younger Winegrowers

In the Hérault region of southern France, a cooperative winery has adopted a digital traceability system to help its members comply with new regulations requiring a digital phytosanitary register. The initiative began in 2019, when the cooperative decided to pursue High Environmental Value (HVE) certification. At that time, the management introduced a traceability software to track vineyard practices and treatments. The transition required significant support and training for the winegrowers, some of whom were initially reluctant to use the new technology. Over time, however, the process has become routine for most members.

The cooperative works with ICS Coop, a company that developed the PhytoViti web application. Each winegrower has a personal account linked to the cooperative, where they can enter data about their vineyard plots and grape varieties. The system allows users to record treatments by selecting parcels, choosing products from a database, and entering dosage and target information. The software also provides alerts if there are issues with dosage or product mixing, and includes regulatory information such as buffer zones and restrictions on certain substances. All of these features are accessible from a smartphone.

For the cooperative’s management, the software makes it easier to collect and review data for HVE certification and audits. The cooperative pays for the software subscription, which costs about thirty euros per year per member. However, there are still challenges for some winegrowers, especially older members who have kept small plots after retirement and are not involved in the HVE program. Some do not have email addresses or mobile phones.

To address this digital divide, the cooperative provides a computer on site for members who need assistance. Trained staff are available to help winegrowers use the system and create accounts if they wish. The cooperative is prepared to support those who want to use the ICS Coop tool, but participation ultimately depends on each individual’s willingness to adapt to digital methods. The experience in Hérault highlights both the benefits and challenges of moving toward digital compliance in traditional agricultural sectors.