Sustainable Winegrowing
Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. As you explore Lodi, keep your eye out for the certified green seal on vineyard signs and wine labels. This seal signifies a third-party audited commitment to scientifically sound, sustainable winegrowing. When you drink a glass of wine made from LODI RULES certified grapes, you are supporting a farmer, a vintner, and an entire agricultural community that embraces their responsibility to care for the environment and the people.
About
In 1992, a group of progressive farmers launched a grassroots program aimed at reducing pesticide use through education of the vineyard ecosystem, commonly referred to as integrated pest management (IPM). In 2005, after more than a decade of research and contributions from farmers, viticulturalists, and leading environmentalists, this IPM program of humble beginnings led to the creation of America’s first sustainable winegrowing program – LODI RULES. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the LODI RULES for Sustainable Winegrowing emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. The program is accredited, certified, and audited by an independent third party, Protected Harvest. Today, there are more than 68,500 acres certified across 14 California crush districts (Lodi included), Washington, and Israel.
Core Tenets
At its core, LODI RULES seeks to ensure the longevity of an entire agricultural community. The program promotes winegrape grower adoption of over 100 sustainability practices or standards which are organized into six chapters: business management, human resources management, ecosystem management, soil management, water management, and pest management. Each Standard meets four criteria: first, it is measurable; second, it addresses at least one of the three tenets of sustainability (environmental health, social equity, and economic viability); third, it is economically feasible to implement; and fourth, it is based in science and not on a trend. The LODI RULES standards are the most thoroughly and rigorously vetted set of sustainability practices in California’s viticulture industry.
The Seal
Under LODI RULES, individual vineyard certification is awarded on an annual basis when they pass an independent audit. To qualify, a vineyard must meet specific criteria: growers accumulate points through implementing sustainability practices and must sum to at least 50% of the total points available in each of six chapters and at least 70% of the total points available across all six chapters. Certified vineyards may use one of three LODI RULES seals to signify their certification and commitment to scientifically sound, sustainable winegrowing. In addition, wineries may use LODI RULES seals on a wine label if at least 85% of the grapes are from LODI RULES certified vineyards.