Post on 26-Dec-2015
How to: Tell if You’re Sustainable
1) Sustainablity: What’s in it for me.
2) How to utilize Vinewise.3) Panel discussion: Prioritizing
sustainability; Experiences and approaches.
Grower’s perspective
Sustainability is a farm management decision
Decision based on:
1) Short term and long term profit
2) Level of effort required
3) Present and future regulations
4) Availability of resources and education
Vintner’s Perspective
How do we differentiate ourselves
What is the actual present and future quality and dependability of our source
Grower’s perspective
Sustainability is a farm management decision
Decision based on:
1) Short term and long term profit
2) Level of effort
3) Present and future regulations
4) Availability of resources and education
What I do works. Why fix it?
I need to do what I can trust is profitable.
Changing practices can be costly and risky
Uncertain about political forces behind sustainability
Long term consequence of present practice
Long term profitability of present practice
Do I know until I try?
Protecting yourself against future legislation
To pursue or not to pursue sustainability
What I do works. Why fix it?
I need to do what I can trust is profitable.
Changing practices can be costly and risky
Uncertain about political forces behind sustainability
Cutworm control: Mixing pyrethroid in with your spring post emergence herbicide application versus monitoring and spot treatment with pyrethroid
Reduced need for insecticide. Lower cost.
Broadcast application of pyrethroid harms beneficial insects increasing risk of flair-ups of various pests.
Spot treatments causes little chance of inducing resistance in pest
Regular monitoring benefits other vineyard management aspects
Preparing for future legislation regarding pesticide use
Monitoring and spot treatments Broadcast treatment
of a pyrethroid
What I do works. Why fix it?
I need to do what I can trust is profitable – stay with old system.
Changing practices can be costly and risky
Continued focus on updating business plan, marketing plan and lending options versus relying on status quo
Based on winery request you plan to do a variety conversion or expansion.
Present lender unwilling/unable
You have updated business plan, marketing info, marketing plan and know your alternative lending sources.
Allows you to stay with new plan and stay profitable.
Routine updates of business plan, marketing and lending options
Relying on status quo
Grower’s perspective
Sustainability is a farm management decision
Decision based on:
1) Short term and long term profit
2) Level of effort
3) Present and future regulations
4) Availability of resources and education
Vinewise
Growers looking for direction.
Vintners looking for ways to differentiate themselves to stay competitive.
Team work needed!
In 2001: Washington Wine Industry Foundation creates teams of growers, vintners, extension agents and researchers
Vinewise is created by these teams. www.vinewise.org
Vinewise
A learning tool and an assessment tool. Asks growers the questions needed in order
to stay sustainable. A tool to help prioritize and focus on
sustainability in everyday practices. A gateway and invitation to teamwork with
the rest of the Washington wine industry. www.vinewise.org
Vinewise self assessment workshops offered
To set up a workshop for a group of growers please contact:
Astrid Goplen
Ph. 509 539 6331
e-mail: astrid.goplen@verizon.net
Various approaches to sustainable programs
Try out various sustainable approaches in your vineyard as you have time and resources.
Use workbook or online tool such as Vinewise to help give direction.
Sign up for a 3rd party certification program
Panel
OR: Jason Tosch, Director of Viticulture, Anne Amie Vineyards: Overview of L.I.V.E., Challenges and triumphs experienced
CA: Cliff Ohmart, Research Director, Lodi Woodbridge Growers. Perspectives on sustainable winegrowing, self-assessment and certification.
WA: Rick Hamman, Director of Viticulture, Hogue Ranches/Mercer Estate Winery. Fundamental perspectives on sustainable practices in viticulture.