Low Input Viticulture and Enology (LIVE) is a non-profit organization that promotes environmentally friendly practices for vineyards and wineries through education and certification using international standards in sustainable viticulture and enology practices. Nearly 300 vineyards and 40 wineries in Oregon and Washington are enrolled in LIVE. The program recently expanded to include Idaho and British Columbia.
To be LIVE certified, vineyards must join the program and undergo inspections in each of the first two years of membership. Vineyards must also annually report their agricultural inputs such as:
• Pesticides
• Irrigation
• Fertilizers
Similarly, wineries that join LIVE must undergo an inspection in the first year of membership to obtain certification. Wineries must also annually submit the following documentation:
• Compliance checklist (provided by LIVE)
• Grounds plan of the winery
• Energy usage
• Materials used in making wine, e.g., additives
LIVE certified wineries are required to keep records on site regarding maintenance, cleaning, shipping and receiving, purchasing, and any applicable regulatory documents.
LIVE applies the standards set by the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC).
Freer Consulting has extensive experience implementing a wide variety of industry standards. If you would like to know more about how Freer Consulting can help you achieve LIVE certification for your vineyard or winery, contact Freer Consulting at (206) 285-9044 or [email protected].