Determinants of pesticides reduction in grape growing farms1

Mostly determinants of environmental innovations are studied from a general point of view. Yet evolutionist literature shows that the sector is an important variable, particularly studying determinants. This paper works on the determinants of the diffusion of environmental innovation in grape growing as there are not many farms producing grapes with environment-friendly practices. Our main hypothesis is that the features of this agricultural activity (permanent crop, non-point source pollution and agricultural policy) make that theoretical determinants have to be studied in this particular case in order to better understand the diffusion of environmental innovations in grape growing. Then grape growing is often pointed out as using a lot of pesticides compared with other crops. Crop protection is however a critical topic for the protection of the environment. A survey of an innovative way to reduce phytosanitary treatments and also pesticides use in Bordeaux area shows that some determinants have to be discussed. Even if the source of cost savings is real and rather known, it is not enough to adopt this innovation. There are too much organizational pressure and competence needs in adopting such environmental processes and consequently environmental policy does not seem to be strong enough to be a determinant at the moment. Keys words: environmental innovation, determinants, diffusion, pesticides reduction, grape growing JEL: Q – O3