International Short Course on Vineyard Agroecology
Date : Sunday, June 21st – Friday, June 26th, 2009
Venue :Laboratory of Agroecology, University of California, Berkeley
International Agroecology Program - Center for the Study of the Americas (CENSA)
The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand
Location: University of California, Berkeley: http://berkeley.edu/
Description The 1st International Short Course on Vineyard Agroecology will explore the latest scientific advances in ecological research and practice in wine grape production systems.Emphasis of the course will be placed on the ecological impacts of vineyard diversification strategies on biological control of arthropod pests, soil ecology and health, vineyard productivity and wine grape quality. Practical considerations of the design and management of biologically diverse vineyard systems for the enhancement of key ecological and agronomic functions will be stressed. Critical social and economic factors influencing the adoption of agroecological approaches to wine grape production will also be addressed.
Academic activities The course will consist of a combination of formal presentations, readings and group discussion sessions by leading natural and social science researchers and practitioners working in the field of agroecology and the international wine industry. Multiple field trips will provide first-hand observations of innovative agroecological designs and practices in numerous central and northern California vineyards. All instruction will be in English.
