The sustainability benefits and limitations of green infrastructure in vineyards – exploring the experiences of winegrowers
Author(s)
Engström, Ebba
Prasow-Emond, Myriam
Howe, Caroline
Collins, Catherine Matilda
Fish, Robert
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Winegrowing is traditionally associated with intensive management practices and there is a need for sustainability in the sector. Green infrastructure, encompassing non-vine vegetation, water bodies, and other human-made structures, can contribute to this sustainability from a multi-dimensional viewpoint. In the United Kingdom (UK), viticulture is one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors and simultaneously, agri-environmental schemes are encouraging the integration of green infrastructure in agriculture. In this study, we explored the sustainability impacts from green infrastructure in vineyards as experienced by English and Welsh winegrowers. We find that multiple sustainability benefits and limitations are experienced – pertaining to the environmental, economic, social, and cultural realms. Impacts are influenced by contextual factors, including vineyard management approaches, the placement of green infrastructures, and the person who is having the experience. Participants in this study also conveyed various assumptions, expectations, and values in relation to green infrastructure, as well as perspectives on sustainability, which may have come to shape their experiences. Our findings identify opportunities to increase the understanding of the effects of green infrastructures in UK winegrowing, and to effectively communicate this knowledge to winegrowers. Additionally, it could be valuable to provide additional support to winegrowers to manage challenges associated with green infrastructures.
Date Issued
2025-12-01
Date Acceptance
2025-07-05
Citation
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 2025, 23 (1)
ISSN
1473-5903
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group
Journal / Book Title
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
Volume
23
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
2533640
Date Publish Online
2025-07-17