This is a huge step in the right direction, showing the President’s support for local, organic and sustainable agriculture.  This is quite a change from the days when Ronald Regan ordered the removal of solar panels installed on the White House roof by Jimmy Carter.

One of Obama’s promises was to double the resources devoted to organic agriculture.  The new budget is still crawling its way through congress, but it appears the National Organic Program will be granted $6.7 million, a significant increase from the previously allotted $3.9 million.

So how does this affect wineries that practice organic farming?  The Organic Certification Cost Share Program will help wineries defray the costs incurred through obtaining organic certification– a pricey endeavor.  Tax credits are also helping wineries that are using sustainable energy sources such as solar power.  Sasha Kadey, spokesperson for Oregon’s King Estate winery, says “This is one area that we’ve been directly impacted in a positive way,” referring to tax credits for solar power.  King Estate is amongst the largest organic wineries in the US.

But many smaller producers simply don’t have the time or energy to keep up with the new federal funding offered by Obama.  Alex Sokol Blosser, president of the Sokol Blosser winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, puts in his $.02 when asked about converting his winery to organic: “I looked at all the paperwork and decided I don’t have the time. The two-week window for submitting an application was impractical.”  There is federal funding available through the Organic Conversion Program for farmers and vintners who wish to convert their farms to organic.

What is “Organic Wine?”

Consumers should be aware that the laws regarding organic wines have become more stringent.  Previously, wines labeled with “Made with Organic Ingredients” only had to contain 70% organic ingredients.  Wine makers can now label their wines “Made with Organically Grown Grapes” if the wine comes from 100% organic grapes.  In addition, if wines contain juice from grapes that were not 100% organic, the label must indicate this, along with the percentage of non-organic grapes used in the blend.

And remember that sulfites are a naturally occuring by-product of the fermentation process (especially in red wines).  While often added by winemakers to act as a preservative, almost all red wines will contain small amounts of sulfites unless stated on the label.

Wine Tip:

Do you get headaches from red wines?  It is often caused by the sulfates, even if they are in very limited quantities.  If you are sensitive to sulfates, try taking a sudafed or similar anti-histamine before drinking red wine.  I’ve found that this solves the problem almost 90% of the time!  See my newer post for more information on red wine headaches.