View from the Vineyard

Author and entomologist Clifford P. Ohmart brings reason and clarity to the politically loaded and amorphously defined world of sustainable viticulture with a work that is both potent treatise and practical manual. View from the Vineyard begins with an examination of the modern origins of the various "green" movements, explains what sustainable farming actually is, powerfully argues for its industry-wide adoption, and outlines the costs of agribusiness as usual. Next, it provides the farmer with a realistic and achievable path to a sustainable vineyard by describing: The challenges of practicing sustainable winegrowing. Where Integrated Pest Management fits in. How organic and sustainable farming are related. A holistic vision for the farm. How to identify and define your farm's resources. Methods for developing sustainable goals. How to create a plan to achieve your holistic vision. Ecosystem management and sensitive species. How to treat the vineyard as habitat. The book concludes with a self-assessment guide in which growers can easily track their progress through these transitional periods.