The evolution of sustainable agriculture in the mind of consumers leads to a need for transparent information.  Winegrowers made up of grape growers, winemakers, and the industry that surrounds wine is in the forefront to promote this message. Many people talk about certification but, I believe a more effective approach is to combine science and technology with outreach through social networking.

One issue of concern within sustainable agriculture is habitat conservation. Major winegrowing areas are intermixed with hotspots for biodiversity.  Influential organizations like the Nature Conservancy recognize the need to partner with winegrowers in order to promote their mission.  Naturally, when economics meets environmental issues, a challenge unfolds.

Science and technology have the tools to take on this challenge.  One example is the evolution of geographic information systems (GIS).  I used a GIS to approach a basic question that would shed light on winegrowing and habitat conservation.  I took the first step by using the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California as an example.

My analysis shows over 16,000 acres of winegrapes in an area of roughly 150 square miles.  I am familiar with the area and I was certain that winegrowers possess more land and  I wanted to know how much.

Using parcel data and simple GIS techniques, I was able to conclude winegrowers in the Russian River Valley have more land without grapes than land in vineyard.   I propose taking a closer look at this area by working closely with local organizations to outreach to winegrowers.  It is important to create value for land both in vineyard and under conservation. In combination with consumer education, we can promote a message of sustainability.

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Here’s a list of local organizations and partners:

North Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council

Sotoyome Resource Conservation District

Gold Ridge Conservation District

Santa Rosa Junior College

Circuit Rider Productions Inc.