In the Agricultural sector, over the past few generations, we have seen an initial disregard of ecological principles turn into an onslaught of chemical saturation and consequent degradation of our soils, abetted, more recently, by genetically manipulated crops. All in the name of efficiency, mass production, corporate greed and the dominance of fewer and larger, global corporate players and mass retailers. Relentlessly, at the expense of our soils, of our ecosystems, of animal and plant diversity and of the health of agricultural produce that we ingest into our own metabolisms.
In traditional Wine Regions in Europe, such as France, Italy and Spain, and now increasingly in countries like New Zealand, Australia, South America and even in the USA, there has been a sharply increasing awareness of the highly negative effects of the destructive mass-produced, chemical agricultural methods referred to above. There has been a generational changing of the guard, when it comes to farming and winemaking practices.
Over the past generation, led by France, vine-growers and winemakers have organized and have progressively mounted a counter-force and a viable alternative to chemical production. The adoption of Organic viticulture and vinification is being championed more and more by among the most influential, highest quality producers within each Region. From a fringe movement in the 1990’s in Burgundy to the dominant philosophy today, Organic Wine Production is now the norm.
Behind the curve
In South Africa, we are late adopters of these ethics. Having only emerged from international isolation in the mid-nineties, it is only now that we are starting to develop sufficient complexity in our sector to allow for such principles to fully take root and for a broader transition to be viable. Just like eschewing fossil fuels in favour of alternative energy, now is the time we need to be looking at replacing chemicals with organic alternatives.
Leading the way are just a dozen or so wine producers so far, one of the most prominent being Johan Reyneke who has long been pioneering Organic and bio-dynamic wine farming with his Reyneke brand. As he asserts, “The greatest benefits of organic farming (and those who support it) are that it’s the most effective tool available to mankind to sequester carbon (unlike conventional agriculture which is one of the 5 biggest drivers of climate change) plus it builds robust farming systems and more resilient vineyards better able to withstand the effects of climate change. Consumers are realising this, and as consumption patterns change, production must follow.”
Another key driver of on-going sustainable practices is Radford Dale, with wineries in Stellenbosch and Elgin. This includes organically-certified viticulture for all the vineyards it owns and organically-certified winemaking for all wines made from Radford Dale Organic in Elgin. Sustainability in all things is a thread across the business, from the choice of packaging materials to the ethics in all business matters as well as in relation to their team members and fair remuneration. Long has Radford Dale been implementing social upliftment measures across their whole stable. Their community educational programme jumps out as a prime example, the Land of Hope range of wines and the Educational Trust. Established in 2007 the direct and sole beneficiaries of this Trust are the previously disadvantaged individual employees of Radford Dale winery and their children and dependents. Not to mention being well-established members of sustainability bodies, WIETA (Wine Industry Ethical Trade Association) and IPW (Integrated Production of Wine).
“As a society we’ve been pretty complacent about the environment” says Alex Dale, founder, “and much of what is out there is greenwashing and chest beating. Rather, we need to be authentic. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to our community.”
“It’s about taking responsibility”
“This can’t be isolated to a couple of wineries", states Dale. "The whole industry needs to move in the right direction and be mindful of the materials they use. The consumer wants it. For those of us who export, we had better welcome it.”
He advises that wineries need to embrace the process and make the decision to transform how they manage their businesses on every level. “It requires planning, forethought and a shift in mentality”
Announcing the birth of Organic Wines South Africa
To this end, and to help propel the industry into gear, Dale and Reyneke have just announced the formation of an exciting new collective of sustainable, organic wineries, called Organic Wines South Africa (see full press release HERE). Encompassing, presently, eleven core established, certified-organic wine Estates of South Africa, its objective will be to broadly market the merits of sustainability in the agricultural processes and of the non-chemical production methods of wines. According to Dale, “We aim to promote the development of sustainable production throughout our sector, including information sharing and the pooling of technical experience & expertise, while collaborating in collective marketing, both domestically and throughout the globe. We aim to create a situation where we help to directly and significantly develop the numbers of organic wine Producers in South Africa and to bring into the contemporary mainstream these principles of sustainability.”
“The global organic wine market size is expected to reach USD 21.48 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2024 to 2030. The rising demand for organic food and beverages and the increasing presence of organic vineyards are among the key factors driving the market growth across the globe. Organic wines have gained significant popularity owing to their fine taste and health benefits such as promoting health and longevity, thus contributing to market growth.” Research & Markets
In South Africa, it is estimated that there are between 2 – 3 dozen certified Organic Wineries today, counting for only a small fraction of total production, below 1%. As we lag behind the more advanced global wine regions, there is a significant opportunity to be seized and market share readily available for South African producers who are committed to change. DM
If your organisation would like to get involved in supporting sustainable, ethical wine farming practices by partnering with the new collective of Organic Wines South Africa, sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email alex@radforddale.com