LIFE VitiCaSe
Carbon Farming LIFE Project applied to Viticulture (Project 101113620 - LIFE22-CCA-IT-LIFE VitiCaSe)
Description
LIFE VitiCaSe (Viticulture for Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration) is a four-year EU LIFE project that is piloting a practical approach to carbon farming in European vineyards. The central idea of the project is to help winegrowers increase soil organic carbon (SOC) through sustainable soil management, transforming these climate benefits into measurable, verifiable and tradable carbon credits. VitiCaSe brings together Image Line (project's coordinator), CREA, SMEs, associations and leading wineries in Tuscany and Veneto, combining research, digital innovation and field demonstrations.In short, VitiCaSe translates “carbon farming” from concept to practice for viticulture, aligning climate mitigation with resilient and profitable vineyard management.
Technology
The project’s technological core is an integrated system that makes soil carbon gains in vineyards measurable and certifiable. CREA has compiled a database of sustainable soil practices and a technical manual adapted to Mediterranean viticulture, while Image Line developed an online Carbon Farming Tool based on the RothC model. This tool processes climate, soil and management data, linking directly with farm records to quantify changes in soil organic carbon. Supported by Carbon Credits Consulting, UPA Siena and EZ Lab France, the system connects field practices with certification, credit registration and trading, ensuring transparency, scalability and practical use for winegrowers.
Target
VitiCaSe is primarily addressing winegrowers, research institutions, farmer organisations and policy makers who need concrete evidence on which practices bring measurable benefits to the climate and soil. The communication and dissemination plan explicitly targets both the general public and technical audiences – farmers, cooperatives, advisors, students and researchers – through a dedicated website, articles, videos, events and networking initiatives.
Business model
The LIFE VitiCaSe Project has received funding from the European Union's Life Program. Project 101113620 - LIFE22-CCA-IT-LIFE VitiCaSe - "Viticulture for Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration".
Impact
The climate impact of LIFE VitiCaSe is supported by solid agronomy and careful monitoring. While the Grant Agreement projected 3,363–7,396 tCO₂e removals over four years, CREA’s preliminary analysis suggests around 13,834 tCO₂e between 2024 and 2027, pending final data. Beyond carbon storage, vineyards show higher fertility, stronger water retention and reduced erosion, boosting resilience to climate extremes. Economically, the project provides a clear pathway to certification and carbon credit sales, reinforced by environmental and cost-benefit analyses. With four pilot sites already applying improved practices as of January 2026, results can be scaled and transferred via Image Line’s network, promoting climate-smart viticulture across Europe.
Partners
IMAGE LINE SRL; AGRONOTIZIE SRL; CONSIGLIO PER LA RICERCA IN AGRICOLTURA E L'ANALISI DELL'ECONOMIA AGRARIA; CARBON CREDITS CONSULTING S.R.L.; UNIONE PROVINCIALE AGRICOLTORI DI SIENA; EZ LAB FRANCE; SOCIETA AGRICOLA SAN FELICE SPA; TENUTE RUFFINO SRL SOCIETA AGRICOLA; CASTELLO DI ALBOLA
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
