Fish Friendly Farming Recognizes Area Winegrape Growers Who Have Been Certified for at Least 20 Years

More Than 220,000 Acres in California are Enrolled in FFF Program

NAPA, Calif.  (November 25, 2024) – Thirty-two winegrape growers and wineries from Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties have been recognized with the Founders’ Award from the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program for achieving and maintaining certification for more than 20 years.

In 1999, the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program was created to protect and enhance the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County.  Soon, it was expanded with a specific program tailored for Napa County and other regions.  Today, more than 220,000 acres located in thirteen counties in California are enrolled in the innovative program that improves water quality and wildlife habitat.

“The Fish Friendly Farming certification has become very popular among winegrowers as a sustainable certification program because it is highly-effective in improving water quality and restoring fish and wildlife habitat,” said Laurel Marcus, Science Director. She added, “We all benefit from reduced erosion, enhanced vegetation along local creeks and streams,  cooler water, higher water quality and better stream flows so it is an honor to recognize these thirty-two winegrowers and wineries with our Founders’ Award for their success and commitment.”

The Fish Friendly Farming program provides a critical third-party certification of environmentally beneficial land practices (BMPs) that assist growers in protecting and enhancing the local environment, waterways, and wildlife.  Scientists work with the growers to complete the farm assessment and maps and collaborate on the development of the farm plan that identifies the needed BMPs for each site. Certification is carried out by regulatory agency scientists following the completion of a detailed farm plan.

“Ridge Vineyards has enrolled all of our properties in the Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program and implemented our farm plans. This award recognizes our years of hard work to benefit the environment and community,” said David Gates, Senior Vice President of Vineyard Operations for Ridge Vineyards Inc.

The Founders Award recognizes growers who have been certified for at least 20 years, have actively implemented BMPs and projects identified in their farm plans and have consistently passed audits and recertifications. These award winners have proven their dedication to sustainability, the environment, and the community.

“The Dutton family has managed orchards and vineyards for many years following the Best Management Practices in the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program. So, to receive a Founders Award is great recognition of our efforts to improve water quality and habitat in the Russian River basin,” said Jeff Carlton, Dutton Ranch Corp.

The Founders’ Award recipients are:

In addition, the Fish Friendly Farming program is also recognizing growers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in implementing BMPs and projects identified in their Farm Plans but are newer to the program than the Founders’ Award recipients.  This category of awards is called the “Next Wave of Sustainability” and the recipients are:

“Fish Friendly Farming has been an integral program for Sonoma County and our sustainability commitment. Our local growers see real value in implementing the numerous environmentally beneficial management practices and  projects to improve water quality and habitats,” said Karissa Kruse, president and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers.