France – trees supporting wine and biodiversity, Corsica

Background & challenges

The Patrimonio wine-growing region marked a decisive milestone in 1968 with the signing of the decree recognising the AOC Patrimonio, marking a historic turning point for the appellation.

Today, Patrimonio vineyards cover more than 400 hectares across the communes of Barbaggio, Farinole, Oletta, Patrimonio, Poggio-d’Oletta, Saint-Florent, and Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda. In 2022, Patrimonio became the first appellation in France to completely ban the use of chemical herbicides in its production standards — a major step forward, with a clear objective: to reach 100% organic production in the coming years.

However, the vineyards are have to cope with an increasingly dry climate, drying winds, more frequent heatwaves, and a ban on irrigating vines after three years (in line with AOP Patrimonio rules). These conditions are causing o water stress, higher alcohol content in the grapes, lower yields, and an increase in vine mortality.

At the same time, the natural habitats of the shrike – an emblematic, regional bird species under threat – are disappearing. Considered an ‘umbrella species,’ the presence of shrikes helps maintain many organisms that benefit  the vines ecosystem balance. The project therefore aims to recreate suitable habitats for this bird species and, more broadly, strengthen local biodiversity.

Agroforestry offers an innovative solution for:

• Protecting vines from wind, sun, and episodes of drought.
• Improving soils: increase in organic matter, better water infiltration and storage.
• Strengthening the resilience of grape varieties (Vermentino and Sciaccarello) against heatwaves and climate change.
• Supporting biodiversity: creation of favourable habitats, especially for umbrella species like the shrike.
• Capturing carbon and regulating the microclimate, contributing to the fight against global warming.
• Serving as a demonstration model, inspiring other Corsican and Mediterranean winegrowers to adopt vitiforestry.

Finally, this programme forms part of a wider approach to agricultural and territorial resilience. By diversifying the landscape and integrating fruit trees and local species adapted to the Corsican climate, the estates will become a working example of innovation in vitiforestry. It illustrates the ability of island farming to adapt to climate challenges while preserving its identity and traditional grape varieties. Over time, this project could inspire other winegrowers on the island and across the Mediterranean, triggering a demonstration and dissemination effect for agroforestry practices.

Works timeline

• Late October – early November 2025: soil preparation.
• November – December 2025: phase 1 planting and mulching.
• November – December 2026: phase 2 planting.
• Monitoring: occasional watering up to three times every summer during the first three years, formative pruning, and tree maintenance.
• Local involvement: mobilisation of family and friends for the planting work and participation of schoolchildren in planting and awareness activities.