PROSECCO DOC BANS CHEMICAL SPRAY

PROSECCO IS STAYING ahead of the growing issue of pesticide use in vineyards. Grape growers for the Prosecco DOC are set to be prohibited from using three chemical sprays, including one that was only recently judged safe by the European Union’s watchdog. Stefano Zanette, President of the Prosecco DOC council, said that he wanted to voluntarily eliminate the use of one particular herbicide and two fungicides in the Italian sparkling wine production zone. It is part of the council’s strategy to improve Prosecco’s sustainability credentials. Zanette named the three products as the Glyphosate herbicide and the Folpet and Mancozeb fungicides. None of the three chemical sprays named are forbidden under European Union rules. Zanette stated, “In the very near future, Prosecco DOC plans to obtain a certification that will initially guarantee the sustainability of individual wines and will ultimately guarantee the sustainability of the entire Prosecco denomination.” Glyphosate, one of the world’s most widely used herbicides, has caused significant debate. EU members states could not agree on its future during meetings in 2O16 – following a three-year review of evidence. Recently, the European Chemical Agency said Glyphosate was safe to use. But a final decision will rest with EU member states later this year.