News Summary
Long Island’s wine industry is making significant advancements in sustainability through initiatives like the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing (LISW) certification and the New York Sustainable Winegrowing (NYSW) pilot program. These efforts are geared towards environmentally responsible practices across the state, enhancing vineyard efficiency and promoting sustainable farming principles. The LISW program has been operational since 2012, while NYSW was launched to extend these practices statewide, with both programs focusing on continuous improvement and collaboration within the industry to address climate challenges and promote a sustainable future.
New York – Long Island’s wine industry has taken significant strides towards sustainability over the past decade, particularly with the introduction of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing (LISW) certification, which began in 2012. This initiative marked the first sustainable certification program on the East Coast and currently includes 22 member vineyards dedicated to environmentally responsible practices.
In 2022, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation launched the New York Sustainable Winegrowing (NYSW) pilot program, which builds on the foundational principles established by LISW. This new statewide program is designed to expand sustainable winegrowing practices beyond Long Island and reinforce a commitment to environmental, economic, and social sustainability across New York.
Suffolk County, which makes up two-thirds of Long Island, ranks as New York State’s fourth largest agricultural producer, hosting approximately 560 farms. The region, home to 57 wineries which recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, has established itself as a key player in the state’s wine production landscape. The push for sustainability certification began over a decade ago, focusing on the unique needs associated with cultivating wine grapes.
The LISW Certification Process
Founded through initial discussions among growers, the LISW program emphasizes a holistic approach to sustainable farming. It includes measures to minimize environmental impact, ensure fair treatment of workers, and maintain economic viability for vineyards. To achieve certification, wineries must fulfill 18 core criteria and undergo evaluation by a third-party organization.
Critical components of the certification process involve vineyard practices that cover areas such as pest management, soil health, and efficient irrigation techniques. These elements are outlined in the VineBalance Workbook, a tool co-authored by Alice Wise in 2007, which helps wineries adapt to the specific climatic conditions of Long Island.
NYSW Program Launch and Goals
The NYSW pilot program, which awarded its first certifications in 2023, is a multi-phase initiative that incorporates elements of continuous improvement and aims to provide a unified certification seal for New York’s sustainable wine production. This approach is intended to avoid fragmentation in sustainable practices across the state’s diverse wine regions.
By fostering collaboration within the industry, the NYSW program seeks to enhance winery efficiency, share best practices, and implement innovative solutions. Prominent developments within Long Island wineries include the adoption of solar energy and the use of electric autonomous tractors, showcasing the commitment to sustainable practices.
Future of Sustainable Winegrowing in New York
While the states’ two primary sustainability programs, LISW and NYSW, currently operate separately, there is potential for future collaboration or merging to streamline the certification process. Both programs draw heavily from the VineBalance Workbook, indicating a strong connection and shared objectives in addressing the challenges posed by New York’s variable weather and diverse grape varietals.
Annual requirements for continuous improvements are necessary to maintain certification status under both programs, ensuring that wineries remain aligned with ever-evolving sustainability standards. As interest in sustainability continues to grow, the Long Island wine community is anticipated to further enhance its collaborative efforts, ultimately strengthening both the local economy and environmental stewardship in wine production.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Wikipedia: Sustainable Agriculture
- Thrillist: Things to Do in North Fork, Long Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Organics
- VinePair: Q&A with Gabriella Macari
- Google Search: Long Island Wineries Sustainability
- Northforker: LI Wine for the Win
- Decanter: The 360 Approach of Sustainability in Viticulture
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
