The word "organic" has proven to be one of the most powerful words in today's market. But what does "organic" mean? Here at Gaspereau Vineyards, we meet people at the tasting bar on a daily basis who ask if our wines are organic. I always reply to them that "No, we are not producing organic wines, however, we are very conscious of the environment and we keep it as balanced as we can."
We participate in many farm markets in the Annapolis Valley and there are many organic farmers who participate as well. Organic food/wine is perceived as safer, more nutritious, fewer "harmful" residual chemicals because of less/different sprays, more "friendly" means of raising livestock, and more "sustainable" agricultural practises. In Ontario, they introduced ladybugs to help eliminate aphids in the vineyards but it unbalanced the equilibrium of nature and tainted the wines as well.
Our practises at Gaspereau Vineyards are designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible; we spray when necessary, only when necessary, and we only add nutrients into the soil that will restore the balance of nature, with the goal of keeping the soil sustainable instead of enhancing growth chemically.
All of us enjoy organic products and strongly believe in the practises of some farmers over others; however, I always read the label to ensure what I am purchasing, where it is from, and whether the product is organic or certified organic. I am also conscious of the fact that many of us must source produce from farms other than our own, some of which may not be organic or certified organic but do share the same sustainability beliefs that we do. Read your product labels, understand agricultural practises, understand where, how and why the products were sourced.
Organic is more a philosophy, not to be dismissed. However, being environmentally conscious is very important too! Check out http://www.foodincanada.com/ and http://www.financialpost.com:80/small-business/story.html?id=1650127 . Basically, we need to be conscious of our surroundings, the environment around us and the products we purchase but we should also be balanced, practise sustainability and choose locally, responsibly produced products.
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I have a problem with both the organic and buy local campaigns currently in vogue. As a consumer facing hard choices in tough economic times my dollar has to go as far as possible before it snaps to provide even the most basic needs for my family. Organically grown products are often far more expensive than their traditionally grown counterparts and I personally cannot - no make that WILL NOT pay a premium for it. As for the buy local campaign it is a wonderful idea - in principle. In practice I will not pay a premium price for a product just because it is produced locally. Fair Market value and I will buy - premium prices because its local I will not.
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