SWBC OFFERS MORE FREE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia (SWBC), a program offered by the BC Wine Grape Council, is hosting FREE SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT WORKSHOPS again this year. Growers and winemakers are shown how to complete their online sustainability assessments and design a tailor-made action plan for continual improvement of their operations. Check the link above for more information and to register.

SWBC has launched a 3-MINUTE SURVEY ON WINERY WASTEWATER to collect information on current management practices in BC, identify areas where wineries might need support, and prepare educational resources and a workshop. Any information disclosed is confidential. Please complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJQV82B. Your input is greatly appreciated!

And finally, a big shout out to Sukhi Dhaliwal (Kismet Winery) and Graham O’Rourke (Tightrope Winery) for hosting workshops in August, focused on VINEYARD WATER-USE EFFICIENCY practices and technologies. Thank you also to Lisa Wambold (Sebastian Farms) and Severine Pinte (Enotecca) for their informative and interesting presentations. The workshops were part of a project, funded by the BCWGC and the BC Agriculture & Food Climate Action Initiative, that will provide the industry with information about water-use efficiency practices and technologies, and an easy to use Excel-based irrigation water tracking tool. These resources will soon be available at sustainablewinegrowingbc.ca, stay tuned.

WHY CONSIDER THE SUSTAINABILITY OF YOUR OPERATIONS? Market competition, cost savings, reduced impacts on the environment, consumer demand, and brand distinction are all drivers. By adopting the practices outlined in SWBC, inputs such as water, energy, and nutrients are reduced, reused, and recycled to maximize efficiencies and enhance your reputation by showing a clear commitment to running a sustainable enterprise.