Winemakers are learning that conservation can be good for business
Summary
Winemakers in South Africa’s Western Cape face drought, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall that threaten grape production. A study of 107 vineyards found that many growers use conservation and sustainable land practices to protect resources and support long-term business success.Key Facts
- The Western Cape produces about 90 percent of South Africa’s wine.
- Temperatures in the region have risen 1.5 to 2 times faster than the global average over the past five decades.
- Three years of severe drought in the late 2010s stressed vineyards and reduced grape production.
- Researchers examined sustainable land stewardship practices at 107 vineyards, about 20 percent of the region’s total.
- The Western Cape contains the Cape Floral Region, a biodiversity hot spot that includes fynbos and many plant species found nowhere else.
- The Integrated Production of Wine certification system sets standards for pesticide use, water management, wastewater treatment and environmental stewardship.
- Growers described restoring native vegetation along waterways and reducing erosion to protect wetlands and rivers.
- Some vineyards use sustainability certifications to improve wine marketability while also supporting conservation.
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