The Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard is facing an unprecedented water crisis. Low rainfall and prolonged droughts endanger wine production and the sustainability of farms.
An alarming rainfall déficit
For two years, Languedoc-Roussillon has recorded a rain deficit of up to 60% in some months, with annual rainfall 60 to 70% lower than normal. This historic drought has led to crop losses of up to 70 to 80% in some areas.
Initiatives to preserve the vineyard
Faced with this situation, winegrowers are putting in place various measures:
Precision irrigation: Experts recommend targeted irrigation, depending on the soil’s ability to retain water.
Wastewater reuse: Projects such as Irri-Alt’Eau in Gruissan (Aude) use treated wastewater to irrigate vines, an innovative practice in France.
Aqua Domitia Project: Launched in 2012, this project aims to transport water from the Rhône to the Montpellier and Narbonne regions to alleviate the pressure on local resources. It would make it possible to irrigate up to 10,000 hectares of vineyards.
Economic and environmental challenges
Despite these efforts, investment costs for irrigation remain high, estimated between 1,000 and 4,000 euros per hectare in the first year.
The current situation underlines the urgency of rethinking water management and wine-growing practices to ensure the sustainability of the Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard in the face of climate challenges.