Local Growers Gather for Sustainable Workshops and to Celebrate the Graduation of the Third Leadership Academy Class
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 29, 2024) – Sonoma County’s winegrowers gathered at Shone Farm for the annual Sustainable Winegrowing Field Day to learn, observe and celebrate just ahead of the start of the 2024 harvest.
As one of the world’s most sustainable winegrowing regions, Sonoma County has drawn the attention of innovative companies such as John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis and Agrology, as well as visionary scientists, engineers and manufacturers wanting to work with winegrowers in a real-world environment to address climate stewardship and the long-term preservation of agriculture.
John Deere and its local dealer, Belkorp AG, used the Sustainable Winegrowing Field Day to showcase its new SmartApply® Intelligent Spray Control System with a live demonstration and discussed the results of its grower collaboration in Sonoma County. The SmartApply® technology assists growers in transforming their farming operation by using sophisticated LIDAR (light detection and ranging technology) technology that senses the presence of individual grapevines and automatically adjusts spray volume based on foliage density and stops spraying between vines to optimize protection. Since beginning its trial demonstration on 2,200 acres of vineyards in Sonoma County in March, the SmartApply® Intelligent Spray Control System applied nearly 30% less material.
“We are very excited with these results and please know that we are developing solutions to address some of the biggest challenges facing winegrowers and farmers of other high value crops,” said Sean Sundberg, Business Integration Manager at John Deere. He added, “It has been extremely rewarding to collaborate with some of the world’s most innovative, forward-thinking growers here in the vineyards of Sonoma County. And this is just the beginning, we’ll continue to learn and work together to address specific needs here in Sonoma and elsewhere with cutting-edge technology and solutions.”
Wilbur-Ellis and Agrology also shared their in-field data on the impact of regenerative/sustainable practices from SCW’s pilot farms. The Wilbur-Ellis collaboration with Sonoma County Winegrowers focuses on growers around the county with a goal of modeling how to create healthier plants and mitigate soil microbial activity in different soils and climates. The pilot project involves mapping soil variability, developing prescriptive treatment plans, monitoring soil moisture and irrigation management, and includes cover crops and tillage planning.
Agrology has installed its Arbiter Carbon Monitoring System at all seven of the pilot farms to quantify the impact of these sustainable/regenerative practices on soil carbon stocks, water holding capacity and soil microbial life. A growing body of research has demonstrated how building soil life is the best way to increase phytonutrient density of wine grapes, resulting in a higher quality and more sustainable wine.
“It is so exciting to learn of the results and witness the successes of our Farm of the Future and realize that Sonoma County has quickly become a living lab for innovative pilot programs that truly make a difference,” said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “Additionally, our commitment to farming for future generations protects our County’s open space and helps maintain Sonoma County’s rural lifestyle which benefits all who live in the region.”
The benefits to Sonoma County from the Winegrowers commitment to sustainability highlighted and celebrated last Friday were not limited to the vineyards. The twenty members of the third class of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos Leadership Academy graduated in front of friends and family during a lunchtime celebration. The graduating class recently returned from what has been described as a “trip of a lifetime,” where they spent four days in Washington, D.C., which culminated in their being the featured guests of the Congressional Wine Caucus reception, hosted by Congressman Mike Thompson and Sonoma County Winegrowers. They were able to meet numerous Congressional Members including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
The Academy does not teach new farming skills. Instead, the focus is on introducing, developing, and advancing vital skills needed for vineyard employees to become future leaders in the wine industry and local community. Topics taught during the eight-month program include sustainability, financial literacy, conflict resolution, communications, human resources, education, disaster preparedness, healthcare, and wine appreciation.
Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Thompson, the generosity of Alaska Airlines, the support of vineyard employers, and the support of the Leadership Academy members’ families, the class was able to witness and experience our nation’s government and history. An additional “thank you” to American AgCredit for investing in our local ag workforce and for sponsoring today’s event.
“The Sustainable Winegrowing Field Day delivered some very exciting findings and allowed us the opportunity to take some time before harvest begins to gather and celebrate our vineyard employees,” said Kruse.
