rather than herbicides. Proscribed B. Use of herbicides in both under-vine and in inter-row alleys. 2.5 Water penetration Water penetration is important to minimise run-off, which can cause erosion, and to optimise the amount of water available to vine root systems. Processes to improve poor penetration and allow sufficient drainage can improve a vineyards performance and reduce risks of environmental damage. Guideline categorisation Guideline Achieved? YES/NO Minimum standard A. If soil penetration is poor, improve it by using at least one of the following: adding gypsum, compost, manure, a cover crop, soil ripping between vine rows. 3. Vine nutrition The objectives of nutrient monitoring and management are to supply vines with nutrients at the appropriate time and rate, supporting crop quality and yield. Appropriate application methods should ensure a targeted supply and minimise the risk of pollution by loss of nutrients via runoff, leaching, and emissions to the air. Nutrient management planning is an on-going activity that needs to be responsive to the vineyard environment and crop requirements. Vine nutrition guidelines 3.1 Nutrient management planning Vineyard nutrition is not an exact science as: Soil fertility is a complex concept Vines are a low nutrient crop, as: Little is exported from the field Perennial plants explore a large area of soil Rootstocks can influence nutrient take-up Problem of quality vs. quantity Grapevines are able to grow and crop satisfactorily in a wide range of soils but, vine nutrition should not be ignored. To help plan nutrient management the following questions need answering: What are the essential elements for the growth and performance of vines? How can the need for these be measured? What fertilisers can be used to fulfil this need? How much and when should these be applied?
Guideline categorisation Guideline Achieved? YES/NO Best practice A. Adhere to external quality assurance and management standards such as ISO 9001. Best practice B. Have an external quality assurance auditor undertake a company audit. Best practice C. Adopt a quality assurance approach to winemaking where each step of the wine production process is analysed, and hazard and control points are established. Minimum standard D. Have a product safety plan that identifies due diligence required during stages of production. Minimum standard E. A documented action plan must be in place to deal with the event of a product safety risk.
11.2 Employment documentation Having up-to-date employee documentation will help both employee and organisation understand their role and conditions of employment, and are important in maintaining positive employee relations. Guideline categorisation Guideline Achieved? YES/NO Best practice A. Have standard templates for key employment-related documents. Minimum standard B. N.B. For businesses with >5 staff Maintain up-to-date versions of: Job descriptions for all roles (to include job title & skills) Employment contracts (hires/variations/terminations) Minimum standard C. N.B. For businesses with <5 staff and/or unpaid volunteers Maintain up to date versions of: Job descriptions for all roles (to include job title & skills) Employment contracts (hires) 11.3 Recruitment process Recruiting the correct number of employees with the appropriate skills to work in the production process is crucial to the economic sustainability of the business. Guideline categorisation Guideline Achieved? YES/NO Best practice A. Implement a candidate selection process with screening methods suitable for use with different employment models. Minimum standard B. N.B. For businesses with >5 staff Agreed screening processes by employment type to include practical skill tests & interviews which are conducted using specific questions designed for each position. Minimum standard C. N.B. For businesses with <5 staff and/or unpaid volunteers Agreed interview process by employment type, using specific questions designed for each position OR use a simple skills checklist for volunteers. 11.4 Employee orientation Employee orientation will assist in helping employees understand the nature and role of the company they are working for, and maintain communication channels within the business. Doing so