Organic Farming at HALL Wines
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HALL Director of Vineyard Operations, Don Munk Discusses Organic Farming at HALL Wines |
Here at HALL, we are passionate about environmental responsibility and sustainable stewardship of our land. All of our vineyards have been farmed organically since 2007, and we expect to soon be Certified
Organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers, or CCOF. Farming organically involves committing to two principals: ecological production and maintaining organic integrity. Production methods must conserve soil, pollute little and promote a healthy ecosystem.
Soil is the most important element in 
creating a sustainable environment in the vineyard. Over the past 50 years, traditional farming practices have stripped essential minerals from the soil; these minerals are crucial in the development of healthy crops. Farmers have increasingly relied on artificial additives to replace what has been lost and to augment what nature should be allowed to do on its own. When pesticides, fumigants and herbicides are used to protect grapes from disease and fortify the soil, the residue travels along with the grape on the winemaking process and ultimately ends up in the wine.
Instead of using herbicides, organic farmers cultivate the soil using natural fertilizers (compost and manure) and plant cover crops. Plants other than vines are encouraged to grow in and around the vineyard, attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs, some mites and green lace-wings. Natural predator pests are an organic alternative instead of using poisonous chemicals. Cover crops also minimize erosion and sedimentation of local waterways.
It takes time, patience and devotion to be Certified Organic. This
process generally takes three years because any prohibited substances such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides must not have been used on the land for three full years before the harvest of the first organic crop. Over the course of the certification period, a farmer must identify an accredited certifier, answer lengthy applications questionnaires about his or her weed and pest management practices, work with the certifier to review the application and submit to an on-farm inspection.
HALL Director of Vineyard Operations, Don Munk says sustainable organic farming is fast becoming the norm in many farming operations, including the wine industry, “Here at HALL we are excited about obtaining our organic certification from CCOF, and we’ll have our certification in March of 2010.”
Organic agriculture is a way for us to support the health of soils, ecosystems and people. We’re combining innovation and science in such a way that we can all benefit from sustainable growing practices and a healthy environment.
Learn more about HALL's farming practices in this video with HALL Director of Vineyard Operations, Don Munk