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.

Sustainable Farming Business Definition

Economically viable Ecologically sound Socially supportive

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.