Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
by planting cover crops and using amendments such as compost and manure. Above all,
the sustainable grower encourages resilience in the crops rather than chemical dependence,
and uses the resources at hand to help maintain good health in the soil, water, and crops.
Managing Problems Organically
The concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was developed by the University of
California, Davis. This system follows the principle of employing the least toxic pest con-
trol practices. Instead, it aims to harness existing methods of control whenever possible.
For instance, one way to encourage natural pest control is to maintain a nearby hedgerow of
native and other plants that attract beneficial predator insects like wasps and spiders. These
insects in turn feed on vineyard pests such as mites and thrips. I have such a hedgerow
alongside my own vineyard. In addition to using such principles, the sustainable grower
will choose organic pest and disease control products that can address the most common
problems faced by grapevines. Spraying basic elements like sulfur and copper to combat
fungal diseases is one example.
The greatest concern of an organic vineyard is that a pest or disease may invade that
is not treatable by anything other than a chemical compound. But this is becoming increas-
ingly rare as more organic treatments are developed. In my experience, this has not been an
issue.
I believe you can have an organic vineyard almost anywhere you can have a vineyard.
If you already have a conventional vineyard, you can convert it to a more organic and sus-
tainable vineyard by eliminating chemicals and improving your soil health and vineyard
biodiversity. Under the National Organic Program, you may even be certified over a three-
year transition process.
Of course, you do not need to be officially certified in order to grow your own grapes
for winemaking. But an organic and sustainable vineyard is still a good choice for home
growers and winemakers for a variety of reasons. One is that handling chemical pesticides
often requires permits and extra precautions, by anyone who is working in the vineyard and
even by your neighbors. These products also cost money; an organic vineyard is generally
less expensive to run than a conventional one (although it may take more labor). Finally,
you can contribute your part to being less of an impact on your community and the world.
