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How to: Tell if You’re Sustainable. Sustainablity: What’s in it for me. How to utilize Vinewise. 3) Panel discussion: Prioritizing sustainability; Experiences and approaches. Sustainable Farming Business Definition. Economically viable Ecologically sound Socially supportive.
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How to: Tell if You’re Sustainable Sustainablity: What’s in it for me. 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
To pursue or not to pursue sustainability Long term consequence of present practice Long term profitability of present practice Do I know until I try? Protecting yourself against future legislation 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 Monitoring and spot treatments Broadcast treatment of a 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 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
Continued focus on updating business plan, marketing plan and lending options versus relying on status quo Routine updates of business plan, marketing and lending options Relying on status quo 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 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.
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.