Key Takeaways:
- Enhanced Sustainability: Introduction of a dual certification program, linking Sustainable WA with Salmon-Safe, aimed at improving watershed health and climate resilience.
- Comprehensive Certification Process: Vineyards must undergo rigorous third-party audits to display both Sustainable WA and Salmon-Safe certifications.
- Industry Collaboration: The initiative reflects a broad partnership across various stakeholders within the Washington wine industry.
- Expected Outcomes: The dual certification is anticipated to enhance water quality, conserve wildlife habitats, and strengthen community health.
- Future Prospects: This strategic alignment is likely to influence broader agricultural practices, emphasizing environmental stewardship.
Dual Certification Initiative
The Washington wine industry announced a strategic partnership between Sustainable WA, the state’s first sustainability certification for winegrapes, and Salmon-Safe, an eco-label focused on protecting watersheds. This collaboration introduces a dual certification program that aims to augment practices around water quality protection, wildlife habitat conservation, and climate resilience.
Comments from Industry Leaders
Colleen Frei, the Executive Director of the Washington Winegrowers Association, commented on the significance of this partnership. “We are thrilled to have this partnership with Salmon-Safe, bringing these associations together for dual certification to support sustainable practices and water quality protection for our Washington wine industry. This harmonization of the Sustainable WA certification program showcases our industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and best practices,” said Frei.
Sustainable WA was launched in 2022 as a rigorous, science-based program built by industry stakeholders and experts in sustainability. It operates under the oversight of an industry-led governance council and technical committee. It involves key organizations such as the Washington State Wine Commission and the Washington Wine Industry Foundation.
Salmon-Safe’s Contributions
Salmon-Safe is committed to maintaining healthy urban and agricultural watersheds critical for native salmon. It covers extensive acreage across the Pacific Northwest, promoting reduced runoff, enhanced water quality, and increased native biodiversity in agricultural practices.
Dan Kent, Executive Director of Salmon-Safe, expressed the ecological impact of the new certification standards. “Offering joint certification is a way for us to bring a strengthened and science-based focus on watershed impact to Sustainable WA as certified vineyard operations lead the way to healthier Columbia Basin waterways,” Kent stated.
Certification Requirements and Industry Impact
Vineyards must comply with sustainable viticultural practices verified through a third-party audit to qualify for dual certification. Certified vineyards are permitted to use the Sustainable WA logo if at least 75% of the winegrapes are certified, whereas the Salmon-Safe logo requires 95% certification.
Sadie Drury, a Vineyard Manager at North Slope Management and a participant in the Sustainable WA program, discussed the added value of this initiative. “The certification partnership between Sustainable WA and Salmon-Safe adds a layer of credibility to Washington’s program by ensuring that vineyards are using verified environmental practices that protect our local watersheds,” Drury explained.
Image provided by the Washington Winegrowers Association
