IN THE VINEYARD SWO CERTIFIED MEANS:
Healthy Soils
Ontario grape growers use cover crops between vine rows to add nutrients, control vine growth, attract beneficial insects and prevent erosion.
Integrated Pest Management
Ontario grape growers employ cultural techniques for managing pests in their vineyards, such as scouting for pests, establishing beneficial insects and using safe and sustainable ways to control wildlife.
Enhancing Wildlife Habitat
Ontario grape growers plant vegetation for wildlife, create piles of stone and or brush for habitation, or maintain, enhance, or rehabilitate wetlands on their properties.
Practicing Responsible Irrigation
Many Ontario grape growers have implemented the use of drip irrigation systems which reduces the amount of water used.
Monitoring Vines
Ontario grape growers are helping our local grape and wine industry grow by investing in Canadian Grapevine Certification Network research and planting certified virus-free grapevines.
Renewable Energy
Many Ontario grape growers use solar panels, wind or hydro-electricity throughout their vineyard operations.
Animals In The Vineyards
Employing the help of animals reduces environmental impacts, benefits the soil, and ecosystem.
Biodiversity
Encouraging a variety of plants and animals in vineyards, such as milkweeds, butterflies, bees and other insects to help control pests.
Composting
Organic matter, such as grape pomace, is composted back into the vineyard. Organic amendments such as compost or manure can provide significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil.
Grape Growers of Ontario is responsible for vineyard certification