These will be tracked over the vineyards to determine if the growers are reducing herbicide usage. Activity Reduce the use of fungicides and insecticides through natural control and cultural practices. Cultural practices such as leaf removal and shoot thinning allows better air circulation and can eliminate the need for sprays. The use of traps and sticky tape to monitor insect infestations would help determine when economic thresholds are reached and sprays would be done only when necessary. Growers are required to keep track of monitoring devices and consultation with extension service is required before insecticides are applied.
Compliance is tracked using the point system.
Activity Soil and tissue tests are required prior to fertilization and timing of applications are restricted to prevent leaching and runoff. Limiting application to fertilization to replacement of vine needs helps eliminate excess fertilizers from leaching into the water table. Soil tissue test insure that only those chemicals the vines need are applied. Growers are required to keep records and submit them to the inspection team so they can be compared to required elements of the vines. Activity Irrigation is limited to young vines, shallow soils, or drought conditions.