Spraying drones for vineyards from the perspective of agroecology: Results from the D4AgEcol workshop in Greece

Over-reliance on high-input, mechanized farming is driving climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and rural inequality. Agroecology offers a holistic alternative by addressing these challenges together. Spraying drones are emerging as labor-saving tools that can reduce drift and soil compaction, but their alignment with agroecological principles and adoption prospects are still unclear. The Digitalisation for Agroecology (D4AgEcol) project aims to evaluate such technologies. This study focused on spraying drones in vineyards, using the FAO’s Ten Elements of Agroecology and the ADOPT tool to assess their contribution and adoption potential. A 2024 workshop at the Agricultural University of Athens engaged 27 participants in this dual assessment. Efficiency was rated highest, with scores of 3.75 (local) and 4.00 (EU-wide), driven by perceived cost savings and quality improvements. ADOPT results showed a 19-year path to near-peak adoption, with an estimated peak at 42% and 8.5 years to reach half of that. Spraying drones show promise for agroecology, but realizing their potential will require better training, risk management, and standardized protocols.