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Rhonéa announces plans to be 100% organic by 2030
With 50% of its vineyards already HVE certified, Rhône Valley cooperative Rhonéa has announced its commitment to converting 100% of its brands to organic practices by 2030.
Rhonéa is a founding member of the ‘Vignerons Engagés’ label. Over 60% of the Rhonéa vineyards are already certified or engaged in organic, biodynamic and HVE (High Environmental Value) practices.
Rhonéa is now taking this commitment a step further and aims to have converted 100% of its brands to organic practices by 2030 thanks to support measures, tailored financial backing and specific remuneration incentives.
“Our aim is to triple our organic and biodynamic surface under vine within the next ten years” explains Pascal Duconget, General Director of Rhonéa.
“It is quite a challenge, but one that has been made possible through the implementation of numerous innovative tools in recent years. Digital mapping of our vineyards, for example, has enabled us to achieve high precision viticulture, a detailed parcel strategy and also develop our practices in terms of reduced interventions and inputs.”
The brand took inspiration from consumer research, citing a 2021 study on the evolution of organic produce consumption in Europe which showed that, although the consumption of wine has decreased in Europe (73% vs 82% in 2015), the consumption of organic wine is on the rise (29% vs 17% in 2015).
According to the cooperative, the study also shows that France has the highest organic wine consumption rates in Europe (36% vs 17% in 2015).
With 50% of its vineyards already HVE certified and 20% organic certified or undergoing organic or biodynamic conversion, Rhonéa’s ambition is to be a leader for the development of organic viticulture in the Rhône Valley.
The brand has received financial aid and a specific renumeration for organic production. Rhonéa has also appointed an Environmental Certification Officer to assist with on-site support and guidance.
“The regulations are complex and fast evolving,” confirmed Thierry Sansot, director of the Vine & Wine department. “In order to support our artisan winegrowers throughout every stage of the conversion process, they will be assigned a direct interlocutor that will help them with the legal and administrative requirements. This is very reassuring for our winegrowers and just the kind of help they are looking for in our collective.”
With a vineyard of 2900ha, 2100 of which are Crus & Villages, Rhonéa’s latest initiative focuses on promoting the environment, guaranteeing quality from the vine to the glass, supporting local heritage, all while ensuring the fairest possible prices for the consumer and producer.
“Our ‘2030 Organic Outlook’ project has been integrated into all of our actions and decisions in recent years in order to ensure that Rhonéa remains an ethical, fair and sustainable cooperative,” Pascal Duconget said.
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