Regenerative Organic Agriculture
Today, Bonterra is the largest winery to achieve the rigorous certification of Regenerative Organic (ROC) by the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA). Established in 2017, the ROA is a collective of farmers, business leaders, and experts in soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.
Practices Explained
Enhancing farm, fruit, and soil health while building resilience.
Cover Cropping
Each spring, we plant cover crops between vineyard rows to promote biodiversity, soil fertility, prevent topsoil erosion, and naturally suppress weed growth.
Sheep Grazing
Each winter, we partner with a local sheepherder to bring flocks into our vineyards to graze on weeds while adding natural fertility to the soil.
Compost Application
Following harvest, we compost the pomace (grape skins and seeds) left over from wine production and later reintroduce this material into our vineyards to boost soil health and close the nutrient loop.
Avoiding Synthetic Inputs
We never use harmful synthetic inputs in our vineyards, instead opting for farming methods that foster soil health and natural vitality through integrated pest management.
Reduced/No Tillage
Our team reduces tillage by pursuing a no tillage regime for the row middles that promotes topsoil stability, reduces soil compaction, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
Planting for Biodiversity
Around our vineyards, we protect riparian areas and habitat corridors by planting shrubs, fruit trees, and native species that provide homes for beneficial insects and create ecosystem balance.
Principles Of Our Approach
Our set of principles guides how we approach regenerative organic agriculture to create the best possible outcomes.
Reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability.
Creating diversity in form and function.
Appreciating the help of our fellow creatures.
Why Regenerative Organic Agriculture?
It’s not just good for the earth, it’s good for our society.
Poverty
Justice and Equity
Uplifting Underrepresented Communities
Gender Equality
Regenerative organic farming methods can help improve our overall health and reduce the long-term medical costs associated with diseases that thrive under our current food production methods.
Unfair wages, strenuous hours, physical harm, and discrimination are just some of the issues of food system labor practices that disproportionately affect people of color. At the heart of ROA is a commitment to improved labor practices that provide equity for our vineyard and production workers.
We believe in honoring the agricultural practices of Indigenous peoples and uplifting underrepresented communities whenever possible. The ROC supports farms that provide positive social impact by encouraging the return of historically marginalized farmers to the land and establishing programs that encourage the use of regenerative organic farming practices.
The ROC standards include equal pay and equal treatment for all, regardless of gender. This includes freedom from workplace harassments and the prohibition of child labor.
Why Regenerative Organic Agriculture?
It’s not just good for the earth, it’s good for our society.
Poverty
Justice and Equity
Uplifting Underrepresented Communities
Gender Equality
Regenerative organic farming methods can help improve our overall health and reduce the long-term medical costs associated with diseases that thrive under our current food production methods.
Unfair wages, strenuous hours, physical harm, and discrimination are just some of the issues of food system labor practices that disproportionately affect people of color. At the heart of ROA is a commitment to improved labor practices that provide equity for our vineyard and production workers.
We believe in honoring the agricultural practices of Indigenous peoples and uplifting underrepresented communities whenever possible. The ROC supports farms that provide positive social impact by encouraging the return of historically marginalized farmers to the land and establishing programs that encourage the use of regenerative organic farming practices.
The ROC standards include equal pay and equal treatment for all, regardless of gender. This includes freedom from workplace harassments and the prohibition of child labor.
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