So "organic" farming is kind of a crappy job. Wait, wait, let me rephrase that. So "organic" farming is a composty job. Yep, that has a different meaning entirely. But let's step back just a little bit to give a frame of reference.
The basic aspect of farming is that growing crops takes nutrients, and grapes are no different. Much of those nutrients are in the soil where cover crops and incorporating in the biomass (and not using herbicides) can achieve a balance for your vineyard. But from time to time, especially as the vines get older, there may be a need to add a bit more nutrients for a healthy growing environment.
When it comes to nitrogen, conventional farming would add Urea, which is 46% Nitrogen. But it is synthetically produced, and thus isn't a choice for grape growers farming organically. Instead, we look for organically certified composts (traditionally around 10% Nitrogen) to spread in our vineyards. But it can be quite expensive to have all that compost delivered.
So last summer, I was speaking with Ben, the owner of 24Carrot Farm (our local organic farm stand), about getting compost for our vineyards. He put me in contact with Waste Connections, our local garbage and recycling company.
Now, bear with me as to why I bring this up. As you know, we believe in sustainability. But sometimes this sustainability concept doesn't incorporate actions from the greater community. But, here's where the story gets interesting. It turns out that I can get truckloads of compost from our El Dorado branch of Waste Connections that is certified organic for free! (Just to be fully transparent here, it's not just farms that can do this. El Dorado county residents can also get this compost!) And this compost comes from the green waste that Waste Connections collects from us residents in El Dorado county.
That in itself is an exciting opportunity. We are putting our own region's green waste (properly composted) back into our soils for our vines. It's a win-win situation as we all continue to produce green waste, and it needs to go somewhere.
But the real credit, from my understanding, goes to Kristina Noble at Waste Connections. Some time ago, the state of California mandated that green waste be collected (and not be put in the landfills). Counties could make this green waste "disappear" by paying for Carbon Credits. But Kristina fought hard to instead get the compost back into our county, thus saving the cost of the Carbon Credits while providing a resource to this county's residents.
And then the full circle is closed as Pablo and I spread the compost back out in our vineyards (with our electric tractor) to make for healthier vines and better wines. So the next time you have a glass of great El Dorado appellation wine, give a toast to people like Kristina who think outside the box for a win-win solution to issues.
(Sidenote...We got the last load of compost on today before the rain so it can slowly winter and break down. Then we'll incorporate it into the soil come spring!)