Weeds - Nature's Workers
As a rule, "conventional" growers eradicate any plants which may "compete" with their crops and pastures. But in an organic system, weeds are seen as the builders of organic matter - the matted grass roots provide fibre, the tap roots extract deep nutrients which become available to the vines after the weeds have died and broken down. Many plants seen as "weeds" by chemical users are actually "fixers" of atmospheric nitrogen as free fertiliser, harbour beneficial insects, or provide good animal grazing. Of course, noxious and declared weeds have to be eliminated, and in a vineyard established organically from day one (such as Rosnay ), good weed control in the young vines is essential. We have found that certified organic horticultural vinegar provides control of one of the most difficult weeds in the region, Johnson's Grass, when spot sprayed a few times.

 Pest and Diseases - Symptoms not Causes
Growth and decomposition is a natural cycle present in all ecosystems, and disease can be seen a part of this cycle. Conventional "wisdom" is to fight against disease using "systemic" chemicals, or fungicides which are absorbed into and translocated throughout the plant to kill invading pests or diseases from the inside. Systemic fungicides are not permitted in organic farming, because by understanding the life cycle and ideal conditions for mildew disease organic vignerons have ways of avoiding it from the outside, for example, opening the canopy to air and light. They can also apply non-systemic, natural protection such as soap or milk, diluted elemental sulfur or silica to strengthen the leaf cells against attack. Failing this, a sanitation may help to break a disease cycle (eg burning infected canes in winter).

Similarly for insect pests - infestation may be a symptom of unhealthy plants and overuse of pesticides. By not spraying you actually encourage beneficial parasites and predators to keep the pests in natural balance. Failing this you can apply natural or biological products to control them - but only if we see the problem early enough. Weeds also increase the diversity of habitats for beneficial insects. For example, small flowered plants are great for predatory wasps, which lay their eggs inside pest caterpillars!

Nutrition - "Feed the soil, not the plant"
Organic farmers apply humic forms of fertiliser, such as compost and worm cast, building the soil's organic matter, humus and biological activity. Grazing animals also essential, transforming cover crops into manure, to return to the soil. It then becomes humus - essential for good soil structure and plant health. When water-soluble chemical fertilisers are in the soil and the plant takes up water for photosynthesis, it is forced to take up the salt fertilisers dissolved in the water, resulting in vigorous but soft, sappy growth, susceptible to pests and disease. However, when humus and the soil ecosystem are well developed, and no artificial fertilisers are applied, the vine can drink clean water, or it can absorb nutrients, as required. Deep rooted, organic crops are lean but healthy - with a smaller yield but nourished by the earth itself, expressing the typical characters of the season, region and variety.