L’Orpailleur obtient la reconnaissance Exceptionnel du programme Biodiversité aux champs

L'Orpailleur receives "Exceptional" recognition from the Biodiversity in the Fields program

Vignoble de l’Orpailleur receives well-deserved recognition for its environmental commitment: we are now recognized at the Exceptional level by the Biodiversity in the Fields program, the highest distinction offered.

Photo: one of our wildflower strips near nesting boxes that house tree swallows and bluebirds.

Recognition based on concrete actions

The Biodiversity in the Fields program, developed by agronomists and biologists from Club Conseil Gestrie-Sol and Dura-Club inc., aims to recognize agricultural businesses that take concrete steps to protect biodiversity.

Participating businesses are evaluated based on three essential aspects:

  • biodiversity enhancements
  • cultural practices
  • crop protection

Each business progresses through different levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold), until reaching the Exceptional level, which requires not only achieving the Gold level but also implementing several advanced actions, particularly in ecological development.

Sustainable viticulture

At the vineyard, this recognition reflects one of the six values that have guided our mission since 1982: to offer authentically Quebecois wines of superior quality, meeting the highest standards in winemaking, while ensuring the sustainability and renewal of the resources of this land that nourishes us.

This translates into:

  • the creation and maintenance of habitats favorable to pollinators and wildlife
  • adapted cultural practices promoting soil and ecosystem health
  • reasoned management of crop protection interventions

These actions are at the heart of our reasoned viticulture and contribute to maintaining a living, diverse, and resilient agricultural environment.

Photo: our phacelia cover crops between the vines do an excellent job of retaining predatory insects.

A program adapted to the reality of vineyards

The integration of the wine sector into the program is recent and is the result of collaborative work with various partners, including the Granby Zoo and the Quebec Wildlife Foundation.

A specific set of specifications for vineyards has thus been developed to take into account the specificities of viticulture while maintaining high standards for biodiversity.

Continuing to move forward

Achieving the Exceptional level is not an end, but a step.

We continue our efforts to improve our practices, share our learnings, and continue to develop our vineyard with respect for life.

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