Viticulture in the Willamette Valley, Oregon: creating a predictive model to estimate the incentives of biodynamic viticulture
by Emily Christenson and Emily Moothart
Abstract
Biodynamic agriculture and certification in viticulture has become increasingly prevalent among organic farmers. Recent studies have concluded that biodynamic viticulture improves the sensory experience of the wine and health of the soil. During a geography field course in Oregon, viticulture was analyzed in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon. Keeler Estate, Illahe, and Adelsheim Vineyards were selected based on Low Impact Viticulture and Enology (LIVE) certification and primary production of pinot noir grapes. Keeler Estate Vineyard was selected as a case study to analyze the effects of biodynamic viticulture on mineral additive (potassium, magnesium, boron, and calcium) reduction. A comparative analysis based on Keeler Estate Vineyard was applied to Adelsheim and Illahe Vineyards to estimate the improvements to be expected if biodynamic practices were adopted. The intended result of this analysis was to examine the processes of biodynamic farming to determine if the additional biodynamic certification reduced mineral additive usage and enhanced marketability and profitability of the product. After conducting the research, hypothetically 4,500 pounds of mineral were diverted over the 2011-2014 seasons, which is an indication that biodynamic certification reduces mineral output. This biodynamic sub-industry fits the Triple Bottom Line business approach, which tends to result in profitable business.
by Emily Christenson and Emily Moothart
Abstract
Biodynamic agriculture and certification in viticulture has become increasingly prevalent among organic farmers. Recent studies have concluded that biodynamic viticulture improves the sensory experience of the wine and health of the soil. During a geography field course in Oregon, viticulture was analyzed in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon. Keeler Estate, Illahe, and Adelsheim Vineyards were selected based on Low Impact Viticulture and Enology (LIVE) certification and primary production of pinot noir grapes. Keeler Estate Vineyard was selected as a case study to analyze the effects of biodynamic viticulture on mineral additive (potassium, magnesium, boron, and calcium) reduction. A comparative analysis based on Keeler Estate Vineyard was applied to Adelsheim and Illahe Vineyards to estimate the improvements to be expected if biodynamic practices were adopted. The intended result of this analysis was to examine the processes of biodynamic farming to determine if the additional biodynamic certification reduced mineral additive usage and enhanced marketability and profitability of the product. After conducting the research, hypothetically 4,500 pounds of mineral were diverted over the 2011-2014 seasons, which is an indication that biodynamic certification reduces mineral output. This biodynamic sub-industry fits the Triple Bottom Line business approach, which tends to result in profitable business.
Emily Moothart and Emily Christenson