"Being certified LIVE and Salmon Safe compliant has not only opened doors to new customers, but has lead to consumer relationships that Benton-Lane Winery and it's respective wine drinkers will enjoy will into the future. I feel that the LIVE and Salmon Safe programs have not only helped us sell wine, but it has also enhanced out brand image."

Lorne Mews
Benton-Lane Winery

Click here for Student Memberships New Grower Certification Membership Contract The Oregon organization Low Input Viticulture & Enology, Inc. (LIVE) is a not for profit 501c3 organization. LIVE’s mission is to “provide vineyards and wineries with official recognition for agricultural practices that are modeled after international standards of integrated production.” In other words, LIVE’s certification provides its members the label “certified sustainable.” This label is highly sought by the ever increasing environmentally conscious consumers, fine dining establishments around the world, and the huge expansion of the natural products industries. In order to certify vineyards and wineries, LIVE educates members on sustainable practices and works with an independent inspection company. LIVE charges a minimal inspection fee that pays for this company to conduct inspections, thus enabling credible certification. Inspections (or site visits) are conducted for the

member’s first two years, or each year until certification is achieved. Once certification is received, the vineyard will be randomly drawn at a minimum of once every three years. LIVE provides all training and forms necessary for successful program participation, as well as maintains international certification status, and LIVE members who pass their first inspection year become certified Salmon Safe.

As a grower participating in the LIVE program I agree with and understand the following conditions of certification.

Participant acknowledges and accepts the rules and guidelines of the organization. I understand that there must be no scores in the not allowed items and I must earn the minimum amount of points to qualify for certification by LIVE.

Participation in the LIVE program is voluntary.

Participant agrees to follow the LIVE program on the entire surface of the farm.

Participant agrees to attend a mandatory introductory course and participate in regular training courses.

Agree to practice the guidelines of the LIVE program for a period of 2 passing years before certification is granted.

Supply to the LIVE program a complete and true set of any required farm records on LIVE provided forms.

Will refrain from the misuse of any certificates or labels provided by the LIVE organization

Agree to allow authorized inspectors of the LIVE organization access to the farm and all pertinent infrastructures.

Participant acknowledges that this application is for participation and does not guarantee certification. The awarding of certification is dependent upon successful completion of the program requirements (2 years prior, annually there after).

Participant agrees to pay any dues or assessments required by the LIVE organization.

Annual Fee: $150 for vineyards 0-20 total vineyard acres, $2.00 per vineyard acre above 20 with no cap.

Inspection Fee: $250

INSPECTION PROGRAM FOR LIVE

1. It is the intent of the LIVE organization to inspect each member on an annual basis until member is certified. After certification, inspections, or site visits, are done on a random annual basis.

2. Members will be visited by at least two members of an independent inspection team contracted with by the LIVE organization. (The services of the inspection team will meet requirements as outlined by the most current requirements of the IP guidelines)

3. Authorized inspectors of the LIVE organization will review the program with each member by means of the Scorecard evaluation system.

4. All required farm records with signature of member confirming that records are true and complete would be required. Records may be encoded to ensure privacy of the member.

5. All required soil and tissue tests will be submitted for evaluation.

6. Records of inspections will be kept for a period of no less than three years.

7. Any unsatisfactory rating by the inspection service will be discussed onsite with the participating member.

8. Members reserve the right to appeal any unsatisfactory rating to the LIVE auditing committee. Supporting evidence to the disagreement (especially perishable or sensitive evidence) shall be collected immediately and preserved for evaluation by the auditing committee.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF CONTRACT OR RULES

It is the intent of the LIVE organization to certify vineyards and wineries that have complied with the requirements of the integrated production program. The success of the program relies on strict adherence to the philosophy and rules of the program. Annual site inspections, review of required farm documents, and periodic sampling are the basis for assuring the public that members certified by LIVE have complied with all aspects of the program. In order to gain the publics trust the following list of sanctions will be followed and will be applied for violations or failure of members to meet program requirements.

IMMEDIATE LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP AND WITHDRAWAL OF CERTIFICATION

Willful misuse of certification labels and certificates.

Willful misstatements of any farm records.

Nonpayment of inspection fees within 60 days of invoice date and or dropping the program to avoid paying fees following inspection.

Any actions of fraud or violation of the mutual trust between the grower and LIVE.

Repeated failure to adhere to the strict rules and prohibitions as stated in the LIVE program.

LOSS OF CERTIFICATION STATUS FOR THE CURRENT GROWING SEASON

1. A score of prohibited on any item in the program score sheet.

2. Failure to earn the required number of points for certification.

3. Failure to attend any required introductory or ongoing educational courses.

4. Any other violations of the contract between LIVE and the member.

OTHER PROVISIONS

1. In the event of an unexpected or severe problem (unusual weather conditions, uncontrolled disease or pest pressure resulting in significant financial loss, a physiological disorder requiring immediate attention.) the member may apply to the LIVE Technical Committee for permission to apply an intervention not included in the LIVE program. The Technical committee will immediately review the proposal and approve or deny the intervention; in the case of approval the crop concerned will lose certification for the current growing season.

The member may only apply for an exception once in a three-year period.

2. Accidents or involuntary violations of the program. The member shall report to the committee any unusual or accidental incidents to the committee as soon as possible after recognizing the incident. (I.e. miss labeled fertilizer from the supplier, contracted spray service applying incorrect pesticides, etc.) If the committee accepts the report the crop in question would lose certification for the current growing season.