Agro-ecology and organic viticulture research

There were many objectives for this study tour, which required months of preparation in the lead up to leaving Australia. The main reason for visiting Germany was to collaborate with Dr Kauer and Mr Meissner on the organic/conventional/biodynamic trial being undertaken at Research institute of Geisenheim. My visit to France gave me an opportunity to meet with some of the most established and recognised wine producers in Burgundy, all of whom were using biodynamic methods. In the USA I attended both GiESCO conference and a 2 day organic viticulture conference in the Napa valley. During these conferences, I spent considerable time with academics that have been researching organic and sustainable viticulture practices over the past 10 years.