Only a few months have passed since, in early October 2024, the first European vineyard with downy mildew-resistant plants, obtained using new genomic techniques (NGTs), was inaugurated in San Floriano in Valpolicella, Italy. The country had celebrated this step forward in viticulture research, thanks to the work of the University of Verona team, through its spin-off Edivite. However, all progress has been undone.
On the night between 12 and 13 February 2025, unknown perpetrators vandalized and damaged the five seedlings planted by technicians coordinated by Professor Mario Pezzotti (Department of Biotechnology). The aim of the initiative was to test in the open field the resistance to one of the main vine pathogens, downy mildew, a primary cause of the Italian production drop in the 2023 grape harvest, with effects anticipated in 2024.
Strong Condemnation
The Italian seed association, Assosementi, has strongly condemned the recent act of vandalism that resulted in the destruction of the San Floriano experimental vineyard. This site was a crucial research facility where scientists from the University of Verona were conducting field trials on grapevines developed using new genomic techniques (NGTs). The attack has not only damaged years of scientific research but also represents a significant setback for agricultural innovation in Italy.
Not the first time
The event in San Floriano comes just a few months after the destruction, in Mezzana Bigli in the province of Pavia, of an experimental field of genetically improved rice, also developed through NGTs.
It is important to emphasize that these techniques are fundamentally different from GMOs, as they do not involve inserting foreign genes but rather precise modifications to existing DNA sequences.
“This act of vandalism is an attack on the scientific community and the entire Italian agri-food sector, which has been advocating for access to innovation,” says Eugenio Tassinari, President of Assosementi.
“The destruction of this vineyard erases 10 years of dedicated research aimed at improving viticulture through advanced breeding techniques. It is unacceptable that fear and misinformation continue to hinder progress.”
Italy at the forefront
Italy is at the forefront in Europe regarding NGT research, and the response from institutions and trade associations has been unanimous in condemning this attack. The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, described the vandalism as an “attack that damages the entire agricultural world” and expressed solidarity with the researchers, emphasizing that “if anyone fears innovation, we will continue along this path.” Confagricoltura (General Confederation of Italian Agriculture), which had celebrated the planting of resistant Chardonnay vines in September, decried the act as another affront to research, stating, “Plant genetics is a safe and sustainable way to combat the effects of climate change and plant diseases, and to boost the productivity of Italian agriculture while protecting the environment and mankind.”
Preserving the Taste
NGTs offer promising solutions for modern agriculture. For viticulture, these innovations can lead to the development of disease-resistant grapevine varieties while preserving the unique characteristics of traditional grape cultivars. Such improvements are particularly crucial for meeting regulatory standards and maintaining the distinctiveness of Italy’s renowned wine industry. Moreover, disease-resistant grapevines could drastically reduce the need for chemical fungicides, cutting applications from the current 10–20 treatments per season to just 2–3, thereby reducing fungicide use by up to 80%.
The Persistence of Misinformation
Coldiretti emphasized that the attack demonstrates the persistence of misinformation regarding NGTs and its distinction from GMOs. Genetic improvement through these techniques, enables the selection of new plant varieties with enhanced environmental sustainability, reduced chemical input use, and improved climate resilience. Copagri, led by President Tommaso Battista, condemned the act as reminiscent of “the darkest periods in history,” reiterating that NGTs have “nothing to do with the old genetically modified organisms, as it does not involve the insertion of foreign genes.”
Enhancing Public Awareness
“The San Floriano incident underscores the urgent need to enhance public awareness regarding the importance of agricultural research,” Tassinari continued. “Disseminating accurate, science-based information is key to countering misinformation and addressing unfounded fears that often lead to resistance against new technologies. Without the support of civil society and policymakers, scientific progress is at risk of being stifled by outdated prejudices, slowing down the development of sustainable and effective solutions for the challenges facing modern agriculture.”
Stop Geolocation
Italian law currently mandates the geolocation of experimental fields cultivated with NGTs, but in light of these repeated acts of vandalism, several associations — including Cia, Coldiretti, Confagricoltura, and Copagri — are advocating for the removal of this requirement. Senator Luca De Carlo, president of the Commission for Industry, Commerce, Tourism, Agriculture, and Agro-Food Production, has committed to addressing the issue with the Ministry of the Environment. “Transparency and clarity are fundamental in research,” he stated, “but it is unacceptable that this information is being used as a tool to cause damage to the community and halt scientific progress.”
Assosementi has called for increased investment in scientific communication and the promotion of informed public discourse. The association believes that a well-informed society is essential to ensuring that innovative research can provide tangible solutions for food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices.
An Attack on Agricultural Progress
Euroseeds, the European seed association, has also denounced the deliberate destruction of the experimental vineyard, describing it as a direct attack on agricultural progress. In their official statement, Euroseeds emphasized that the destruction of five genetically improved grapevines is not just an isolated act of vandalism but a broader attempt to obstruct much-needed innovation at a time when farmers are struggling with climate change, plant diseases, and increasing environmental constraints.
Garlich von Essen, Secretary General of Euroseeds, stated: “This is an unacceptable attack on agricultural progress and the dedicated researchers working to secure a more resilient future for European farming. We stand firmly with the scientific community and all those striving to bring innovative, sustainable solutions to farmers. Science-based innovation must not be held back by fear or ideology.”
“The act of vandalism was serious, and at the moment, we do not know if and when the experimentation will be able to restart,” explains David Bolzonella, director of the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Verona. The NGT vines are the result of long-term scientific efforts in agricultural genetics. These plants have been precisely modified without altering their genetic make-up or incorporating exogenous sequences. Researchers emphasize that a new European proposal is being developed to differentiate these plants from GMOs.
The Benefits are Undeniable
The destruction of the San Floriano vineyard highlights the broader challenges faced by the scientific community and the agricultural sector in promoting the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. While opposition to genetic innovation persists in certain circles, the benefits of these advancements are undeniable. Reduced reliance on chemical inputs, improved crop resilience, and enhanced sustainability are all within reach if research is allowed to progress unhindered.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections for scientific research sites and greater efforts to educate the public on the importance of agricultural innovation. Organizations like Assosementi and Euroseeds continue to advocate for policies that support scientific research, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of sustainable agriculture.
Innovation as the Driving Force
By fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, farmers, and consumers, the agricultural sector can move towards a future where innovation drives sustainability, productivity, and resilience. The case of the San Floriano vineyard should serve as a call to action for all stakeholders to support research and innovation in agriculture, safeguarding the progress made towards a more sustainable food system.
