Biofungicide Approved for German Organic Vineyards

The biofungicide Mevalone, developed by the British company Eden Research, has been approved for use in organic vineyards in Germany after being included in the list of organic inputs by the Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau (FiBL), Germany's Research Institute for Organic Agriculture. This product is used to combat the fungus Botrytis cinerea, responsible for gray mold in grape clusters, a disease that poses a significant threat to viticulture, particularly in humid regions.

Mevalone is composed of terpenes encapsulated using Eden's patented Sustaine technology. This system allows the microcapsules to release the terpenes when they come into contact with moisture, such as rain, precisely when the risk of fungal infections is highest. Once released, the terpenes disrupt the fungal cell membranes, causing them to collapse. In dry conditions, the microcapsules reseal and remain active until they are rehydrated, enabling multiple protection cycles before reapplication becomes necessary.

The approval of Mevalone in August of this year marks an important step for German organic viticulture, providing an efficient and sustainable solution against fungal diseases. Its inclusion on the FiBL list places the biofungicide alongside products previously approved in countries such as France, Italy, and Greece. Sean Smith, CEO of Eden Research, emphasized that this new organic certification strengthens the product's position in key markets by combining the effectiveness of a conventional fungicide with the sustainability standards required in organic agriculture.

Organic viticulture in Germany has seen significant growth over the past two decades. According to Wines of Germany, the area of vineyards cultivated organically has increased fivefold since the early 21st century, reaching a total of 12,500 hectares in 2021, approximately 12% of the country's total vineyard area. This expansion reflects a sustained trend toward more sustainable practices, driven by the demand for organic wines in both local and international markets.

The adoption of treatments like Mevalone could encourage more producers to transition to organic viticulture, particularly in wine-growing regions where humidity increases the risk of diseases and restrictions on chemical products complicate effective prevention of Botrytis cinerea. The ability to reduce crop losses caused by fungal diseases provides an important incentive for winegrowers seeking to balance productivity with the requirements of organic certification.

Organic agriculture in Germany extends beyond vineyards. According to Sean Smith, 15% of the country's vineyard areas and 10% of its apple orchards are currently dedicated to organic production. These figures are on the rise, reflecting a broader shift in the country's agricultural focus. Germany's Organic Farming Strategy 2030 aims for 30% of total agricultural land to be organic by the end of this decade. In this context, products like Mevalone offer viable alternatives to address the challenges of transitioning to a more sustainable production model.

Mevalone has also been approved in other international markets. In New Zealand, where it is marketed under the name Novellus, it has demonstrated an efficacy of 57.9% in controlling fungal diseases, compared to 62% for conventional synthetic fungicides. These results highlight the product's ability to provide robust protection within organic agriculture frameworks, where restrictions on chemical treatments present new challenges.

The approval of Mevalone in Germany coincides with the country's relatively less restrictive approach toward organic viticulture compared to other major European wine producers. This year, the German government urged the European Commission to allow organically produced dealcoholized wines to receive certification, reflecting an interest in expanding options for producers and addressing the growing demand for responsible consumption.

Progress in the development and approval of biofungicides like Mevalone suggests a future where organic viticulture can compete on equal footing with conventional methods, providing effective solutions to protect crops while upholding the sustainability principles that define this form of production.