Could the McLaren Vale region be one big sustainable food basket?
James Hook argues the answer has to be yes. If McLaren Vale has a future as a farming region it must embrace sustainable farming. It needs to produce products that attract premium prices to be financially sustainable. It needs to act as a steward for the region and protect the area from the perils of urbanization. The widespread adoption sustainable, high quality farming taking the best from organic and/or biodynamic techniques will maintain the vitality of the region and give McLaren Vale producers a sustained competitive advantage in their winemaking. This will allow higher prices for grapes which increases the value of the land, which decreases the pressure to put in housing. I feel the way to do this is to adopt sustainable farming accreditation and policing for the whole district, as an industry and as a community to challenge ourselves, set an example and reap the benefits. Reduced demand, lower wine grape prices and diminishing profit margins mean production of high quality frui
