Impact/Purpose:

To promote integrated production of grapes as a means to reducing costs and reducing the environmental impacts of grape production in Oregon.

Description:

EPA Region 10 has funded the Oregon Winegrape Commission in a project that promotes the LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certification program. LIVE is an integrated winegrape production system that promotes ecologically sensible production techniques. For example, certain agrochemicals are not allowed, and others are allowed with restrictions beyond those required by EPA. These limits on pesticide use are based on several factors including toxicity to humans, toxicity to wildlife, persistence, potential for surface and ground water contamination, and selectivity. The LIVE program uses a point system to evaluate growers on pest management, nutrient management, and water management. By achieving a certain number of points growers can be certified by LIVE and be recognized for agricultural practices that are modeled after international standards.

Record Details: