TATIB ENTERS INTO "DIALOGUE" WITH UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH

On Monday 08 March 2010,  the TATIB Foundations' Steering Committee, and other interested parties, met with  Professor Mohammad Karaan, Dean Faculty of Agri Sciences, University of Stellenbosch.

A  "2 -a-side" sub-committee has now been formed so that TATIB can enter into further discussions with the University, effectively making TATIB the "change agent" within the University system. We are waiting for the University to schedule a time and date for the next meeting.

TATIB has called for the University of Stellenbosch to convert all its vineyards/orchards/farms to an organic, environmentally friendly  & sustainable system, so that spray drift of potentially toxic pesticides into the adjacent residential areas is avoided.

The concept of a "Chair in Organic Agriculture" has been raised by one of  TATIB's members and we feel that this should be acceptable to the University as Stellenbosch probably has the fastest growing body of research into agro-ecological systems and alternatives in South Africa. Its now just a matter of finding funding for this "chair".

Click on the following link for more information :  

http://www.thegreentimes.co.za/index.php?storytype=1&storyid=223&id=6&storyaction=viewstory

Photo shows Prof Karaan , Dean of  Faculty of AgriSciences & Tatibs Chairman Jurgen Schirmacher

URBAN SPROUT : THE COST OF LIVING NEXT TO A VINEYARD

Urban  Sprout have just published a well written story on pesticide spray drift.

Please click on the following link  :

http://www.urbansprout.co.za/the_cost_of_living_next_to_a_vineyard

KWV COMES ON BOARD !!!

Following  a meeting held with Tatib at the Sustainability Institute on 2 February 2010, after Paarl residents had complained about spray drift , KWV drafted some actions  which they plan to to implement over the next few months (research, test and evaluate) and then communicate afterwards in an attempt to raise awareness and share learnings with the rest of the industry.

1. Notification
- Pamphlet drop at all vineyard adjacent properties to raise awareness, establish contact details and provide a KWV helpline number.
- Create a database of potentially affected residents with e-mail alerts system activated
- Notification to start with next spraying cycle

2. Alternative products
- Provide Tatib foundation with a list of biocides used (please see list below)
- Request input on alternative suggested products
- Test and evaluation of alternative suggested products

3. Technology
- Pilot tests on alternative technology to be researched, tested and evaluated during winter months
- Implementation during next spraying cycle

4. Wind conditions
- Monitor by means of weather stations
- Early morning spraying to be implemented

5. Buffer zone
- Adapt spraying programme in buffer zones with alternative products
- Implement buffer zone plan into long term vineyard replanting and development programme

6. Fenceline monitoring
- Residue testing options to be investigated
- Monitor during next spray cycle
- Adapt and implement alternative practices where necessary

7. Long term options
- Continuous engagement and input into Integrated Production of Wine Programme (IPW)

8. Support for other farmers
- Create, test and implement model for KWV spraying
- Share model with industry bodies
- Participate in industry forums to increase awareness
- Media campaign to raise awareness and share learnings

Below you will find a list of substances currently being used in the KWV spraying programme.

Cosavet WG
Dithane WG
Brilliant SL
Ardent SC
Sovrin Flo SC
Phosphite SL
Thiovit WG
Hyperphos SL
Stroby WG
Cymoxazeb WP
Spiral EC
Topaz EW
Roundup SL