A new 125-page self-teaching workbook teaches grape growers in New York and the Northeast about sustainable grape growing. The workbook, "New York Guide to Sustainable Viticulture Practices," published by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), is available in both print and online versions.

"Increased sustainability has been embraced as a goal for many businesses, from agriculture and industry to retail giants. Everybody knows that they want it, but defining it has been more elusive," says Tim Martinson, a CCE senior extension associate and leader of the Sustainable Viticulture Project. "For growers, sustainability is the result of numerous day-to-day decisions they make about managing their vineyards. We hope this workbook will provide them with practical, nuts-and-bolts ideas that they can apply to reducing environmental impacts while improving or maintaining profitability and protecting health and safety for workers and consumers."

The workbook offers guidance in evaluating and adopting best management practices to minimize environmental impacts, reduce economic risks and protect worker health and safety. Topics include: soil management to reduce erosion, runoff and leaching; use of integrated pest management practices for insect, disease and weed management; nutrient management, with a particular focus on nitrogen use; pesticide management and spray technology; and cultural practices used in viticulture. The workbook asks growers 134 questions related to these practices.

After answering the questions, growers can develop an action plan based on the results of their self-assessment. The action plan addresses those practices they believe can be effectively modified within the financial and management capacity of their farm.

"The development of this workbook was the first totally collaborative project that included all grape-growing regions across New York state and all varieties that are used for juice, wine and table grape production," said Tom Davenport, director of viticulture for the National Grape Cooperative. "Producers, processors and winery representatives across the state worked diligently with Cornell research and CCE personnel to develop the workbook. It not only enables producers to evaluate the sustainability of their farms, but contains specific recommendations that will help them continue to adopt new sustainable practices as part of a continuous improvement process."

The project was funded through the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education, the New York Farm Viability Institute and the New York Wine and Grape Foundation.

Copies of the workbook can be purchased online for $30 at https://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=40. The online version is available at: http://www.vinebalance.com free of charge.