Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
USEPA
Scientists
UCCE Farm Advisors
SCGGA
(growers'
organization)
California Association
of Winegrape Growers
(Commodity
Organization)
Wineries
Growers
PCAs
Public
Farm workers
Figure 6.10
The Sonoma County Grape Growers Association Sustainable Practices Committee
network.
growers, including those who are not members. The profile of grape
growers in Sonoma has changed dramatically since the 1970s. Growers
here seem to fall into one of three groups: Long-time growers, who may
have grown grapes conventionally for a long time, or who might have
expanded their operations into winegrapes; urban refugees who are
farming for the first time, and chose winegrapes because of their cachet;
and third, a group of progressive growers who have been actively lead-
ing the local winegrape community to improve their practices and reach
out to the non-agricultural public. Leading growers actively recruit the
conventional and the new growers to attend the meetings and purpo-
sively engage them. One described the partnership as trying to “sweep in
more of the people back in the corner” because it is “nice to raise their
consciousness a little bit.” Leading members of the Sonoma County
Grape Growers Association are motivated to engage conventional grow-
ers because they perceive the importance of enhancing the public image
of winegrape growing in their county.
The partnership established four demonstration vineyards in 2000,
one in each of the major sub-regions in the county. The owners of these
vineyards were association board members, and some of the most pro-
gressive winegrape growers in the county. Monthly grower meetings are
held in these four vineyards throughout the growing season, led by Nicki
Frey and Laura Breyer. As a well-respected local independent PCA,
