Canadian Organic Wine

Hi Green living, The Organic movement is quite strong in BC, but it's very confusing to the consumer. We have a lot of vineyards who are certified organic, many who use organic strategies but are not certified and a few wineries who have organic certification, and use both organically certified grapes and organic standards' winemaking practices. Organic certification is locally administered, thus the certified wineries are all local, using only grapes grown in BC. There are also a few wineries who use biodynamic practices. The technical manual for viticulture is the 2003 Grape Management Guide published by the BC Ministry of Agriculture. In it, the methods and solutions which are the most eco-friendly are always listed first, with more obtrusive methods listed as a last resort. It is guided by the fundamental objective of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). "If a pest or infestation will cost more to overcome than the damage it will create, do not treat for it". This strategy is always supported by monitoring for pests. If there is no risk, then no action is taken. The Guide will soon be ready for an update. Consistent with the Management Guide we are preparing a Growers' and Wineries' Workbook for sustainable practices. The first draft will be available this summer. The Users will answer questions which are scored according to the sustainability of their operations. Where a low score has been obtained, the user will be directed to resources which will assist an upgrade to better practices. Sustainable practices are often less costly, but may require more sensitivity to the ecosystem and greater understanding of the factors affecting it. Best regards to your readers, Gary Strachan, chair Sustainable Practices Committee BC Wine Grape Development Council