In the UK and USA, producers are increasingly making wines labeled organic or
produced from organically grown grapes. The meaning and legal force of these
terms can vary significantly from one country to another.A key point to add at
this stage is the difference between organically grown grapes - fruit from
vineyards grown without the use of industrial fertilizers, herbicides,
fungicides and pesticides - and wines made without synthetic preservative
additives.Organic Vineyards ? Where it all begins!An organic vineyard is one
where grapes are grown without chemical fertilizers, weed killers, insecticides,
or other synthetic chemicals. This prevents damage to soil and ensures that no
chemicals end up in the wine as residue. Organic farmers aim to maintain
healthy, biologically active soil whose fertility is provided by plants that fix
nitrogen from the air. In the vineyard it means planting cover crops between the
avenues of the vines instead of applying herbicide. Naturally occurring plant or
mineral extracts leave no residue in the soil, and weeds are kept down with the
use of mechanical and hand hoes. Biodiversity is promoted through the plants,
which help regulate the vineyard soil by attracting beneficial insects, spiders
and predatory mites.The Role of Certification and the Organic MarketWhen a label
says organic, it means the wine has met certain standards that are set by a
government agency. Different nations have their own certification criteria, so
whats organic in one country may not be so in another. In the UK the Soil
Association is the most recognized and used certification body.Many wineries
that are technically organic still choose not to be certified. There are many
reasons for this. Some do not want the added costs and bureaucracy of
registering. Others may disagree with their governments standards. Whatever the
case, they are not allowed to use organic on their labels.There is a national
government target for 30 per cent of all UK farmland to be organic or in
conversion by 2010, and 20 per cent of the food consumed to be organic by 2010.
The UK grocery market was worth $206 billion in 2006 and USA 634.7$ billion.
This growth in the organic food market will have a knock on effect on the drinks
industry and will meet the ever-growing demand from consumers for organic wine,
which is better for drinkers and better for the environment.Financial Incentives
to Companies to turn OrganicIn 2005, 39% of the world organic farmland is in
Australia and New Zealand. To combat this The European Union (EU) offers
financial support to organic farmers as an incentive for farmers to convert to
organic production and help the sector grow. These grants provide farmers with
assistance during the period of conversion to organic farming which usually
takes three years.Organic Beers and SpiritsWhile not so widely available as
organic wine, organic spirits are available through specialist suppliers. The
production process for organic spirits does not differ widely from conventional
production. The main difference lies in the use of organic raw materials.
Organic beers are now available in a number of pubs and supermarkets and tend to
use organic hops.Fancy visiting an organic vineyard?If you are into Organic wine
why not visit Englands Premier organic vineyard. In addition to processing fruit
on site, Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard is one of the main tourist attractions in
the 1066 Country region in and around Hastings attracting some 5,000 visitors
per annum to its Vineyard & Woodland Nature Trail + Wine tasting.About the
Author: Davinos Greeno works for the organic directory This green directory
lists 100s of Organic Food and Drink Companies and Eco Jobs and Campaigning
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