S20 - Session P3 - How a regional conservation program helps farmers face challenges: the LODI RULES example

Authors: Stephanie Bolton *, Madelyn Kolber, Phil Abba, Aaron Shinn, Bruce Fry, Charlie Hamilton, Dirk Heuvel, Stanton Lange, Steve Quashnick, Warren Bogle, Stuart Spencer, Chris Storm

Farming challenges such as disease, unpredictable weather, and profitability have existed for centuries. Today's farmer also contends with marketplace globalization and the invasive pests which come along with international infrastructure. As knowledge and technology improve, a farmer has more to learn and more decisions to make. Meanwhile, the commercial sector demands greater transparency of farming practices to ensure a safe and responsible food supply. Countless businesses, non-profit organizations, and certification schemes exist to support agriculture but not all are equally successful nor are accessible to the average farmer. Any tools created by these groups must be practical and available to add resiliency to a farm. Instead of trying to face each challenge and communicate with the market individually, people can find value in joining a farmer-based regional certification program to help address these mounting challenges as a community. One example of this collaborative approach to facing challenges is the LODI RULES sustainable winegrowing certification program, which offers farmers a science-based, holistic business plan for agriculture in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible. LODI RULES was created with extensive farmer input and covers business, human resources, soil, water, ecosystem, and pest management. Starting with 5 certified farmers and 629 hectares in 2005, there are now 150 farmers and 26,237 hectares certified today (a 4071% increase in hectarage). The program is effective because it is based on sound science, is written in simple language, contains economically feasible practices that are measurable, has flexibility, continues to be farmer-centric, and because people find value in it. LODI RULES helps the wine industry communicate their agricultural philosophy to multiple audiences while simultaneously being held accountable via a third-party audit and certification. Farmers learn tools for resilient agriculture through participation and likewise, the program itself evolves to meet emerging environmental, social, and business challenges.