Costs are not always lower. In difficult years, more sprayings than normal may be recommended. But quality and yield are always maximised, at minimum cost, giving farmers a big competitive advantage. It is good for the farmer, good for the environment, and good for the consumer. German wine producers have even started to advertise their use of the system.
Installation is quick and easy.
We chose to work with innovators, who are already producing for international markets. They can afford to invest in the system, and have most to gain from using it. But we hope that when smaller growers see that it really works, they will join together to set up community networks. The two-year project was launched in June 1996. The networks were quickly installed, and by spring 1997 operators had been trained.