Sustainability Initiatives in the
Global Wine Industry
Ann Thrupp, Fetzer and CSWA
With information from Karen Ross,
CA Association of Winegrape Growers
Sustainability :
A broad concept, often viewed as a goal
Sometimes called the “Triple Bottom
Line”
Sustainability
Economically
Viable
Socially
Responsible
Environmentally sound Ensuring viability over time…benefiting current & future generations
Concepts of
Sustainable & Organic Agriculture
Some people perceive these concepts on a linear continuum…
Conventional
IPM
UNSUSTAINABLE
Biointensive IPM
SUSTAINABLE
Organic
Biodynamic
ORGANIC & BEYOND
However, this linear perspective is somewhat narrow.
An alternative view reveals more complexity …
The Sustainability Concept
Relationships between
Organic & Sustainable Agriculture & Other Concepts
Sustainable
Agriculture
Organic
Biodynamic
Integrated
Pest/Crop
Management
“Sustainable” winegrowing is a much broader concept, which includes many dimensions (to be explained)
Interest in Sustainability:
Growing Global Trend
• Global & local challenges: Environmental degradation, climate change, resource scarcity, pollution, health threats, population growth, urbanization, etc.
• Growing involvement in sustainable development & sustainable agriculture among governments
• Growing investment in sustainable business and in manufacturing, food/ag, service, energy, transport, and other sectors; many involved in certification and labeling MANY FAMILIAR BRANDS & COMPANIES
GOING “GREEN”….
- Pioneers like Ben & Jerry’s, Body Shop, Interface, etc.
- Multinat’l corporations also jumping on the green bandwagon… such as Starbucks, Dole, Nestle, Unilever, Walmart, MacDonalds,
Toyota, Ford, Hitachi, GM, BP, etc…
Why? Multiple Forces Behind Change
SOCIAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
CHALLENGES &
CONSUMERS
ROLE OF NGOs
SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY
INCREASING
INCREASING
IN IMPORTANCE
IN IMPORTANCE
GOVERNMENTS
COMPETITION
INVESTORS &
ANALYSTS
EMPLOYEES
Sustainability Initiatives
In the International Wine Industry
• Australia’s “Sustaining Success” Strategy
• New Zealand Winegrowing Program
• South Africa’s Integrated Production of
Wine System (IPW)
• European Programs on Sustainability
• U.S. Initiatives – Especially the CA
Sustainable Winegrowing Program
• FIVS (international wine industry trade association) also recognizes sustainability principles Australia’s
“Sustaining Success” Strategy
• Cooperative Research Centre of Viticulture
– R&D Organization established in 1992
(CRCV)
– Programs include:
• Sustainable Vineyard Systems
• An Education Program
• Viticare Program for Extension & Research
• Drafting chapters on soil, pest, and water management best practices
Australia’s
“Sustaining Success” Strategy
• Environmental Management System includes: (EMS) Program
• Gov’t funding to support research on sustainable viticulture practices ($4.5 M)
New Zealand
Winegrowing Program
• In 19951996, a working group of growers and industry representatives developed a pilot “Integrated
Winegrowing Program”
– Began with 5 vineyards
– In 1997, after receiving a $150,000 & additional support, program grew to include 120 vineyards
– In 2003, more than 300 members representing 60% of the vineyard acreage
New Zealand Winegrowing Program
“Integrated Winegrowing Program”
– Positive Points System for vineyards & wineries
– Self Audit Scorecard – reports for participants
– 77 Questions
• Negative Impact or Unsustainable
Scores 0 to 10 Points
• Sustainable Practice Scores 10 Points
• Improvement over current practice Scores +10 to +20
South Africa’s Integrated Production of
Wine System
• IPW Programs for both grapes and wine (multiple practices for
