753233Viti-Frost ProjectClosedVouchersInnovate UK"This proposal focuses on risks associated with weather and climate in UK viticulture. Area dedicated to viticulture in the UK has increased over 140% in the last 10 years to nearly 2000 ha in 2015, and it continues to grow. This rapid upward trend has been attributed to more favourable climatic conditions for the production of cool-climate Vitis vinifera varieties, along with significant capital investment in new technologies and infrastructure that support production. However, as recognised by a recent survey of UK wine producers, UK vineyards operate at the margins of climatic ‘suitability’. While wine production businesses face many sources of risk, the variability of the UK’s weather and climate is one of the most difficult risks to manage. The perennial nature of grapevines and their long-term lifespan mean that weather and climate conditions can affect the short and long-term viability of production both physically and economically. Of all the weather conditions that can negatively affect yield, spring frost has been identified by UK wine producers as a key risk. Here, we present a proposal for a project that will help the insurance sector: 1. Understand how frost affects viticulture and wine yields 2. Understand the financial implications of a spring frost 3. Identify areas in the UK with higher levels of spring frost occurrence 4. Develop an informed frost risk matrix This project is designed to educate and provide greater confidence to those assessing risk for insurance purposes and validating claims. It will also provide opportunity for publicity surrounding the project."