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

– Water Use Management
–
–
–
–
–
–

Chemical & Pesticide Management Soil & Fertilizer Management Equipment, Vehicle & Machinery Waste Management Vineyard Establishment Biodiversity

• 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