Canterbury winegrowers well-placed to weather climate change
North Canterburys winegrowers are in a good position to weather the storm of climate change as theyre already accustomed to delaing with adversity, research suggests. Bragato Research Institute viticulture extension and research manager Len Ibbotson said there would be an increase in weather swings in future, but the Caterbury region was well-placed to cope. Bragato, the research subsidiary of New Zealand Winegrowers, commissioned NIWA to model climate change in nine wine growing regions across New Zealand. Modelling showed Canterburys mean temperature was likely to rise by 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040, while hot days (above 25C) were projected to start a month earlier (October), finish a month later (April), and increase by two to five days a month during summer. READ MORE: * Mackenzie region forecast to feel climate change heat * New research winery officially opens in Marlborough * New Zealand's orchards and vineyards grow on the backs of migrants * Marlborough winegrowers prepare for El Nino More rain was expected during the months of September, October, January, February and April, with 15 to 20 per cent more rain projected for January specifically. Conversely, there would be less rain in November, December and March. Increased drought conditions could also be expected from October to December. Ibbotson said the biggest risk flagged in the report was the extreme swings from season to season. It will be about dealing with the uncertainty: one year could have high rainfall and the next year very little, and random climate events will increase in intensity. The good thing is that grape-growers are very resilient, they know how to deal with variability. Canterbury in particular was well-placed to adapt to changes in climate, as it had a natural diversity of soils and topography, Ibbotson said. Winegrowers could move grapes to different locations, or consider using different varieties suitable to warmer temperatures if needed. Because of our range of climates within New Zealand we already have a good variety of stocks, so [wine grape] clones from further north could suit North Canterbury as it gets warmer.' With the odd hailstorm and other freak weather event affecting Canterburys viticulture, horticulture and agriculture, the industry was already used to challenges, he said. What will be important is the timing of those peaks and troughs throughout the season, which will have an impact on harvest. The biggest challenge is the uncertainty because it makes it hard to prepare for the season ahead.' A very warm year could result in an early, dense harvest, which would require more people to pick the grapes at once, while random late frosts could also pose problems. And while any rain was better than drought, winegrowers needed it at the right time. January rainfall could be beneficial, replenishing soil moisture and helping maintain vine canopy and grape yield, Ibbotson said. Intense rainfall can be an issue, particularly if the soil is dry beforehand as there is a much greater chance of run off and erosion. We dont want high rainfall in April.