Interviewer/Curator: Eleni Nearchou
Cyprus and wine have a long history dating from centuries ago, so viticulture is part of the island and its inhabitants since then. As technology evolves, so is the viticulture and agriculture, which benefits from it. The challenges facing today's vineyards are increasing, as are their needs. Drones come as a solution for the viticulture to help them meet these challenges. How; On October 3, 2025, vineworks and researchers will gather at the Geroleo Estate in Omos, in Limassol province, for live drones over the vineyard, in the context of a wider European initiative investigating how technology can support a more viable.
We talked to Thanos Arvanitidis, a project manager at Future Needs and the laboratory in charge of the opportunities for funding for smart agriculture. The workshop will be hosted by Mr. Arvanitidis, as part of the Smartvitinet demonstration, at Gerolemo Estate.
What is Smartvitinet, and what does its demonstration (demo event) in Cyprus signify?
Smartvitinet is a European project that combines drones, sensors and digital platforms for a more "smarter", safer and more viable viticulture. In addition to the development of technology, we have set up a skill center for precision viticulture so farmers, micro -businesses, researchers and policymakers can continue their cooperation after the end of the project.
The demonstration in Cyprus is a milestone for the project. Following the successful events in France and Portugal, this final presentation at Geroleo Estate marks the completion of the project, and is the point where research meets reality - presenting the system in action in real vineyards and highlighting how these innovations can be implemented in the routine.
As for the workshop you will be presenting at the Gerolemo Estate, where the event will take place?
In the laboratory, we will go beyond the live demonstration of the system, presenting opportunities for European funding in the fields of viticulture and agriculture in general. As head of the workshop, my goal is to inform and guide participants about their funding through the latest European Funds and Programs, specifically designed to support innovation, digital transformation and sustainability in agriculture.
We will look at how vineyards, researchers, policymakers and agrarian providers can implement innovative ideas, taking advantage of these opportunities. For a wide range of funding opportunities, from Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ to regional and thematic programs, I will present practical routes to ensure support, whether it is the development of new technologies and modernizing viticulture practices or creating collaborations.
It is an interactive workshop that enables participants to ask questions and share their own experiences. It is not only a presentation of financial tools, but also a process of inspiration and mobilization of local actors to think more ambitious and strategically. By linking technological demonstrations to the available financial tools, we want to show that exact viticulture is not a distant vision; it is something tangible and immediately feasible with the right combination of innovation and support.
This workshop is also directly linked to the Smartvitinet Smart Vineyards Center and the Education Portal, which will remain as permanent resources, to continue supporting professionals after completing the project.
What are some of the benefits of using drones in viticulture?
Drones revolutionize viticulture because they allow us to see what the human eye cannot often perceive. Drones can:
They identify crop stress in a timely manner monitoring the health of plants in large areas in a very short time to optimize irrigation, by identifying water stresses in time, they support precise injection, minimizing the use of chemicals.
This means healthier vineyards and higher quality grapes, with a reduced environmental footprint and a lower cost for farmers. In the end, drones provide viticulture data they can use to make timely and documented decisions, to protect both their crops without burdening the environment, and thus to keep up with the EU viability objectives.
In what ways does Smartvitinet bring wine professionals close? What offers?
Smartvitinet is more than a technological project; it is a network. By connecting vineyards, small and medium -sized enterprises, universities and policymakers in Greece, Portugal, France and Cyprus, we create a collaborative ecosystem that will continue to operate after the end of the project.
The skill center for precision viticulture is a foundation stone of this effort. It provides training, enhances expert networks and ensures a continuous flow of knowledge between the four key bodies: the academic community, the industry, the government and the citizens.
In short, Smartvitinet offers not only drones and sensors, but also a platform for learning, collaboration and competitiveness over time.
What is the contribution of Cypriot viticulture to this network?
Cyprus has a rich wine tradition, unique varieties of grapes and a landscape that is both demanding and full of prospects for precise viticulture. With the hospitality of the final event for the presentation of technology and the results of the project at the Gerolemos Estate, Cyprus not only highlights these traditions, but also places in the pioneer of innovation.
Local wine growers, policymakers and researchers are key factors in the test, validation and adoption of solutions proposed by Smartvitinet. Their knowledge and experience ensure that our technologies are adapted to real conditions, and serve the mountain territories and the Mediterranean climate. This contribution reinforces the entire network, ensuring that the solutions we are developing are adapted throughout Europe.
I warmly invite you to those who are interested in the future of wine -growing - wine professionals, researchers, policy -making managers and friends of wine - to accompany us on October 3, 2025 at the Gerolemo Estate in Omos. It will be a unique opportunity to see drones technology in action, to try excellent local wines and connect to experts from all over Europe.
See the program and speakers of the event here: Smartvitinet Demo Day in Cyprus State your participation here: Enrollment Form
Future Needs is a Cypriot company that deals with promotion of research and innovation in many areas including agricultural, technology and construction, as well as health and transport sector. Its activity aims to tackle climate change and the well -being of citizens. In the Smartvitinet project, in addition to participating in the research on the development of technology and skill center, it is head of activities for the communication, diffusion and exploitation of project results.
