How to: Tell if Youre Sustainable

1
How to Tell if Youre Sustainable

• Sustainablity Whats in it for me.
• How to utilize Vinewise.
• 3) Panel discussion Prioritizing
  sustainability Experiences and approaches.

2
Sustainable Farming Business Definition

• Economically viable
• Ecologically sound
• Socially supportive

3
Growers 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

4
Vintners Perspective

• How do we differentiate ourselves
• What is the actual present and future quality and
  dependability of our source

5
Growers 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

6
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
7
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
8
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.
9
Growers 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

10
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

11
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

12
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_at_verizon.net

13
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

14
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.