A New Vintage
According to the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, less than 20% of vineyards around the world have signed up to some kind of sustainability scheme. Of these, just 6% are certified organic, while less than 1% are certified biodynamic. In this context, the state of regenerative viticulture is still embryonic by comparison. Yet, just like regenerative agriculture, the level of interest in regenerative wine production around the world is growing exponentially. What Is regenerative? Although humans have cultivated grapevines for thousands of…
Regenerative Is For Everyone
Ever since “regenerative agriculture” emerged as a concept, a debate has raged over exactly what it means. Perhaps the most controversial question is whether regenerative agriculture should first be certified organic. It’s a worthy discussion, particularly as the labeling landscape becomes increasingly crowded and farmer bandwidth to maintain certifications is finite. From the early days of the development of the Certified Regenerative by AGW program, we have always believed that regenerative certification should be both meaningful and inclusive, meeting farmers…
Famille Gassier – Costières de Nîmes, Caissargues, France
Famille Gassier is one of the premier vineyards the southern Rhône Valley in the south of France. Situated near Costières de Nîmes, the two estates—Château de Nages in the north of the appellation and Domaine Gassier, overlooking the Camargue—are the first Certified Regenerative by AGW vineyards in France. The 346-acre of regeneratively-managed vineyards produce a range of award-winning, handcrafted wines sold in North America and Europe that reflect the Rhône identity. The family’s goal is to achieve vineyard resilience and…
Meet The Farmer – Jump For Jóia
Wendy Johnson and Johnny Rafkin own Jóia Food Farm near Charles City in northeast Iowa, raising Certified AWA and Certified Grassfed by AGW sheep and selling directly to consumers through the farm and through their wool bedding business, Counting Sheep Sleep Company. What do you farm? Currently we steward 135 acres of perennial forage, trees and shrubs by addition, and Kernza - a perennial wheatgrass for grain and forage. We are regenerating this land from over 100 years of…
Made In The USA
In today's increasingly food-conscious world, consumers expect a label to mean what it says—including the country of origin of the food they purchase. However, the reality is that "Product of USA" and "Made in the USA" claims used on many food products are highly problematic. It might surprise you to know that the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) rules currently allow products to be voluntarily labeled “Product of USA” if the animal…
