Ceres Rural is launching a viticulture service as a result of the growing needs of English vineyards.
This new service line focuses on providing practical, independent agronomy advice, alongside support on grants, funding opportunities and agri-environment schemes.
The business believes that combining technical agronomy with strategic business support will help growers increase yields and enhance wine quality, and aid vineyard establishment and expansion.
“We can be involved from the establishment of vines to providing agronomy advice through each growing season,” says Ceres Rural consultant Beth Speakman. “That includes soil health, nutrition, pest and disease management, along with the development of more sustainable production practices.”
Ceres Research, the consultancy’s specialist R&D arm, will also play a key role in supporting agronomic decision-making through exploring grape growing in temperate climates. Work focussing on understanding the challenges and opportunities that the UK’s changing climate presents for vineyards will help growers futureproof their operations and adopt innovative new technologies.
This new service comes at a time of rapid growth for the UK wine industry. The number of vineyards in England has now surpassed 1,000, with sales of English wine up 10% in the past year. Sparkling wine accounts for 69% of bottles produced, with 99 grape varieties currently grown – the majority in the south-east of the country.
As Ceres Rural consultant Louise Penn explains, the timing is ideal for bringing a complete, independent vineyard support service to market. “There is growing demand for expert advice that spans the entire vineyard lifecycle – from grape growing to grant funding, sustainability, and business planning.”
“Our agronomy service needs to work hand in hand with climate change pressures, cash flow management, and carbon footprint reduction – seamlessly integrated for today’s vineyard businesses,” says Louise.
Ceres can also undertake carbon audits and advise on emissions reduction strategies, including regenerative practices such as cover cropping. Advice on marketing, diversification projects and performance monitoring is also available.
