Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) in Zuid Afrika.

INTRODUCTION

Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) is a system whereby mother nature is employed to her full potential with as little human interference as possible. When implemented correctly this system leads to both environmentally friendly and profitable wine production.

The name Integrated Production is well known in other agricultural sectors as well as to a certain extent in the wine sector in overseas countries. Although it is not as well known locally, the whole agricultural world is moving in this direction and the local consumer will thus shortly be informed about this concept. Legislation in the form of the Scheme for the Integrated Production of Wine was published on the 6th November 1998. This was to formalise a process that was happening over the last few years in South Africa. Under this Scheme it is granted that by planting vineyards monocultures were established that have already caused some interference in the environment. This Scheme aims to ensure to the consumer that, granted this limitation, we will produce wines as environmentally friendly as possible. Our System is also unique because of the encompassing research that has been done over the last few years by the ARC - Nietvoorbij Centre for Vine and Wine and more specifically, Dr. CA de Klerk and his team.

"For Farmers" was first published in 1993 and after several changes, which eventually also included the wine making process and packaging, were finalized in 1997.

The Wine and Spirit Board played a leading role in this effort in that they took the needs of the Industry into account and appointed and IPW Manager to drive the Scheme for introduction in 2000. Because of the fact that all South African wines will thus very shortly by IPW, it has been decided that there should be no logo for this wine, but that the concept that all South African wines are made under this system should be sold to the world - SOUTH AFRICAN WINES ARE HEALTHY, CLEAN AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY!!

PARTIES INVOLVED

The following role-players are involved:

•	The Wine and Spirit Board
•	ARC - Nietvoorbij Centre for Vine and Wine
•	The Cape Wine Cellar Committee
•	Association of Cape Estate Wine Producers
•	Independent Vignerons
•	KWV
•	IP Deciduous Fruit Producers' Trust
•	The Cape Wine and Spirit Institute
•	The National and Western and Northern Cape Department of Agriculture
•	The University of Stellenbosch
•	The Fertilizer Society of South Africa
•	The Plant Protection and Animal Health Association (AVCASA)
•	The South African Wine and Spirit Exporters Association
•	Winetech
•	The South African Society for Oenology and Viticulture
•	The Elsenburg Old Boys Union and the League for Viticulture and Oenology Students of the University of Stellenbosch

All sectors and facets of the South African Wine Industry have joined hands - WE WALK FORWARD AS ONE.

MEMBERSHIP

Excepting one, all of the 69 Coöperative cellars have joined. This is also true for 90 out of 95 estates, 112 out of 128 private cellars and all seven Producing Wholesalers and four Bottlers. This makes up almost 96% of all cellars and represents more than 99% of all wine grape production.

IPW IS THUS TOTALLY PRODUCER DRIVEN!

WHY IP - WINE?

There are quite a few very good reasons why the South African Wine Industry decided to walk this path under the guidance of Nietvoorbij.

•	Need There is a very strong and deeply rooted need within everybody concerned in the South African Wine Industry to keep adjusting production processes to render them ever increasing environmentally friendly ...
•	Profitable Production The application of local research results have saved the Local Industry Millions of Rands and all indications ar that this will continue in future.
•	The South African Industry complies As the focus of the South African research drive has always been on IPW along with Profitable Production the dynamic South African Farmers and Cellarmasters found themselves, with the 1999 practice round, to be mostly within the restrictions of the Guidelines and that only minor adjustments were needed to actually produce such wines in 2000.
•	Consumer Countries The modern consumer has sophisticated needs. This has had the effect that they are requiring quarantees from wine producers as to the constitution of wine and its safety for consumption while being adament that the environment should be left as pristine and undamaged as possible. Our system, which is specifically aimed at sustainable agriculture and which is thus viable over the long term, is adjusted in such a manner that these two consumer requirements are met.
•	The International Wine Office (OIV) Approximately 99% of all producing countries as well as 85% - 90% of consumer countries are members of the OIV which is situated in Paris, France. This organisation where the Governments of 47 countries get together to decide on vine and wine legislation, usually has the effect that these decisions reflect in the domestic legislation, usually has the effect that these decisions reflect in the domestic legislation of member countries. It is thus of paramount importance that the OIV takes the matter forward (as it is doing on our insistence) so that we can ensure that consumer countries will accept this system as a guarantee from countries such as ourselves shere this system is currently in place.
•	Unique System The system that has been developed in South Africa will be fully implemented over the next two years. The system is truly unique as, in contrast to other systems in other countries, it is totally inclusive and includes processes from the start of production such as soil preparation through all production processes and even up to the recyclability of the packaging material of the final product. Because we are ahead this will imply that we will retain and even expand our market segment in the local as well as overseas market.

OTHER SYSTEMS CONCENTRATE MAINLY ON THE FARM AND NOT THE CELLAR!

TECHNICAL BASE

The true strength of our IPW system lies in its sound technical base. A few instruments ensure this.

•	Viticulture Committee A Committee of Experts has been appointed and their frame of reference is to adjust the guidelines and scheme with regard to technical aspects. The Committee consists of:
	Dr. P.G. Marais (Distillers)	Ms. E. Alllsopp (Nietvoorbij)
	Mr. E. G. le Roux (SFW)	Mr. C. Dane (AVCASA)
	Mr. J. H. Booysen (Winetech)	Mr. A. Tromp (IPW, Convenor)
	Mr. G. J. Kriel (KWV)
•	Oenology Committee A committee of Experts has been appointed and their frame of reference is to adjust the guidelines and scheme with regard to technical aspects. The Committee consists of:
	Mr. G. Hoffmann (Distillers)	Dr. J. Marais (Nietvoorbij)
	Mr. E. le Roux (SFW)	Mr. J. H. Booysen (Winetech)
	Mr. J. Schreuder (KWV)	Mr. A. Tromp (IPW, Convenor)
	Mr. E. M. Goliath (KWV)
•	The Scheme The Scheme for the Integrated Production of Wine was published on 6 November 1998 under the Act on Liquor Products and will fall under the jurisdiction of the Wine and Spirit Board and The National Department of Agriculture. This Scheme gives the legal backing, should it be required.
•	AGCHEM This committee, consisting of about forty researchers, producers and representatives of chemical firms is responsible for the classification of all registered chemicals which are to be applied in orchards and vineyards for their suitability in IP Wine. The classification takes into account the chemical itself, its break-down curve and its effects on non-target organisms and natural enemies.

IT IS THE TECHNICAL ANGLE THAT COUNTS.

GOALS

•	Training To ensure that the Scheme is correctly implemented, everybody concerned will undergo training.
•	Support of a Niche Area Winetech is an Institution in the Wine Industry responsible for the collection and distribution of research funds and as it regards IPW as a niche area for the Wine Industry this will mean sustained financial backing for Research and Generic marketing of the concept. It is a rib in the ribcage of our long term Industry plan, "Vision 2020".
•	Global Acceptance To aid in the global acceptance of IPW it is important to promote it as fast as possible on world forums and more particularly, the O.I.V. to enable Producer-and Consumer Countries to be satisfied as to the working of, and the guarantees supplied by IPW.
•	Philosophy Our system does not have goals which are cast in cement. The goal posts will definitely be shifted as technology and knowledge expands and to address the needs of the consumer. This system does not aim to reach a set goal, but strives towards ever-extending goals.

IT IS MIND-SET, NOT A RIGID SYSTEM!

GUIDELINES

The guidelines are the written base of the concept. This is the way by which the producer can assure the consumer that he buys into a set of rules and guidelines which are both encompassing and exhausting. A points system which has to be self applied by the producer and which is audited along the way, ensures that producers will comply with the aims of the Scheme before they can produce IPW wine. A total of 15 aspects for vineyards and 14 for cellars are addressed to assess whether a wine qaulifies as an IP Wine.

TRAINING

Training must be given at all levels. As a start 250 persons placed strategically in all Industry sectors was trained in 1998 by Nietvoorbij/WSB and are now in possession of an IPW Training Certificate. These people are available throughout the industry to help with the Guidelines. The curricula of the University of Stellenbosch, as well as the Elsenburg Training Centre where Diplomas in Viticulture and Oenology can be obtained was amended to include the IPW system. Apart from the IPW Certificate, further training will be given by the ARC-Nietvoorbij Centre for Vine and Wine. Associations such as the South African Society for Oenology and Viticulture and the Old Boys Unions of Elsenburg and the University of Stellenbosch have already indicated that they will help to ensure that training will be given at the right levels.

SELF CONTROL

A further strenght of IPW is the self control system which has been decided on. This means that Industry Sectors have been invited to take care of their own control and that the following has come through. Cöoperative wine cellars have decided to use their own personnel, in possession of an IPW training course certificate, to aid in the IPW training and controlling program of the member farmers of that cellar.

The Cape Estate Wine Producers indicated willingness to similar self control. Buyers of wine will help with the training and self control systems of those they are buying IPW wine from. In the case of private cellars the aid of Inspectors of the Wine and Spirit Board might be sought. Auditing will be done on a spot check basis by ARC Nietvoorbij Centre for Vine and Wine on farms and cellars and our whole system also put under scrutiny of an outside auditor.

INTRODUCTION OF IPW

Everybody registered under IPW in 1998. The 270 South African Cellars (93% of cellars) and 4574 farmers (of a potential 4603, and thus more than 99%) have started to follow the guidelines received in 1998. We are using 1999 as a dress rehearsal to finally produce and market IPW wine in 2000.

MARKETING

The marketing of IPW is, of course, very important and the WINETECH Marketing Committee which is masterminding the Industry Strategy called "Vision 2020" has also taken IPW under its wings. The plan is to both formulate a total strategy for the marketing of IPW wines and to decide on and formulate those phrases, sentences and terms to be used on labels and advertisements.

IPW - A THRESHOLD TO MARKET ACCESS!

FINANCING

The system is producing driven and paid for at a cost of R85 per primary producer (farmer) per year. Differentiated fees on a per tonnage basis for cellars makes up the rest of the required funds with small cellars (under 100 tonnes) paying R85 and large cellars (above 25 000 tonnes) R10 000. Cöoperative cellars will collect and pass on the fees of their own member farmers. The budget is handled by the Financial Committee of the Wine and Spirit Board.

THE FUTURE

It is really of the utmost importance that everybody should understand exactly how the system works. It is also important to realise that this is not a system of enforcement, but that the participants are part of it because they want to be. The honesty of participants. the fact that an audit system is in place and the fact that we are saving money while looking after human health and the environment is what is making this system a winner and which will keep us in the market because of its built in consumer guarantees.