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The
grower self-assessment workbook is designed to both document sustainable
grape growing practices already in place and promote sustainable practices
throughout the industry. The workbook is primarily and educational tool
to bring awareness to the economic, environmental and social implications
of specific viticultural practices. It is designed to highlight room for
improvement versus assigning a right or wrong label to a grower's practice.
An honest self-assessment from the grower is desired and will provide
a baseline for modifications based on an action plan drawn up after completing
the workbook.
The
workbook chapters evolved from materials of two separate programs in New
York: NYS Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) worksheets
and a similar workbook developed for Long Island growers by the Long Island
Grape Program. A steering committee composed of extension, industry and
grower representatives, through the collaboration of the Lake Erie, Finger
Lakes and Long Island Grape Programs, tackled the task of reviewing and
developing questions that encompass the practices and challenges found
in the varied growing regions of New York. In all, the workbook will contain
about 140 questions broken down into 8 sections. Each question is followed
by four answer choices on a sustainable scale, with "1" being
the most desired (ie, most sustainable) practice and "4" being
the least. After completion of the workbook, growers (with the assistance
of extension personnel) will develop an action plan to address the practices
where a more sustainable solution is possible.
At
this point, the workbook remains in draft form and is subject to future
revisions. An interactive, web-based version of the workbook is in development
and should be accessible in early 2007.
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