Schaffhausen-based GVS has experience in viticulture and arable farming. As a driver of innovation, GVS Agrar is one of the founders of the Swiss Future Farm, which brings new applications in smart farming to the fields. With the Stokarberg in Schaffhausen, the tenant, Adrian Müller from Löhningen, is now going one step further with great support from GVS and the canton: the new vines, a planting system geared towards automated care and mechanical processing enable climate-friendly, technically supported cultivation. The new innovation base expands the research centre for smart farming and becomes a base for the organic cultivation of different grape varieties in Schaffhausen. Start-up companies that want to develop further in the field of digitalisation and robotics in viticulture will also benefit from this.

Climate-friendly management using digital tools and robotics

The use of new technologies is an integral part of the concept. The farmers have equipped the Stokarberg with digitally recorded areas for careful cultivation. This enables the use of environmentally friendly drones and robots. Using GPS and special sensors on the drone, they can recognise any diseases from the air and treat them selectively. The autonomous robot "Jo" used on the ground was specially developed for steep vineyards. There is no need to use a herbicide, as the robot's tool holders can use various tools and machines. The robot's built-in caterpillars ensure reduced soil compaction, thereby protecting the soil and plants. In addition to GVS, start-up companies that want to develop further in the field of digitalisation and robotics in viticulture also benefit from the innovation base. The Stokarberg is thus expanding the research centre for smart farming in Schaffhausen.

Reducing the use of pesticides

The innovation is centred on reducing the use of pesticides. This is made possible by the planted Piwi variety, which is categorised as fungus-resistant. Piwi varieties provide natural protection against the most common diseases, such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. The new grape varieties are specifically called "Sauvignac, Souvignier gris, Satin noir and Divico". By using these varieties, GVS will be able to dispense almost entirely with the use of pesticides in future. Between the vines, there are countless ecological enhancements such as flower strips, valuable meadows and insect-friendly terraces and dry stone walls.