Many different definitions of sustainable viticulture exist in the grape industry, but most people agree that the current sustainable viticulture movement in the U.S.A began with sustainable agriculture, which grew out of organic farming practices and the ‘green revolution’ of the 1950s and the earth movement of the 1970s.

The term ‘sustainable agriculture’ first came into common use in the 1980s, and is gaining momentum within the agriculture community and with consumers.  It’s not uncommon to find sustainably produced products promoted in general media publications and at farmer’s markets nationwide.

Sustainable Agriculture as defined by the U.S. Congress:
Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having site-specific applications that will, over the long term:

• Satisfy human food and fiber needs
• Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which
   the agricultural economy depends
• Make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources
• Integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations
• Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole

To put it simply: Sustainable agriculture is economically viable, socially supportive and ecologically sound.