I was very interested in Harry Clarke's comments about the vineyards of the Vic
Yarra Valley. I frequently travel along the Maroondah and Melba Highways
through this area and have been increasingly concerned about the amount of land
taken up by grape vines and also vegetables. I don't see why these areas have
to be entirely denuded of trees and other native vegetation. I was just
thinking yesterday that perhaps the government could provide economic incentives
to grape or vegetable growers to set aside a certain proportion of their land
(10%?) for native plants. The incentives could increase according to the
quality of the vegetation. This may provide habitat for insectivorous birds
that might be of further benefit to farmers.
Incidentally, I have heard that the grape growers plant roses at the ends of the
rows of vines so that rose colour is co-ordinated with grape type, white roses
indicate white wine grapes, and red roses, red wine grapes.
Merrilyn.
Harry Clarke wrote:
> Andrew Taylor's comments on birds and the wine industry are apt. I was
> surprised when one Yarra Valley wine producer told me he had a 'licence' to
> shoot birds that 'attacked' his crop. I didn't even know such 'licenses'
> were available. Are they?
>
> What is unquestionable is that wine producers, in areas such as the Yarra
> Valley, are turning their vineyards into ecological deserts for all native
> flora and fauna. Tree clearing is close to 100% in many areas and, even
> where it is not, European weeds usually replace Australian shrubs and trees.
> Domaine Chandon Vineyard, which is within view of the Yarra Ranges, for
> example has virtually no native trees -- roses 'decorate' its vineyards. The
> main birdlife around the vineyards are common mynas.
>
> It is an easy matter not to drink the wines of producers who do not respect
> the Australian environment and to make it clear why you won't. Such firms
> are not 'adding value' if the social damage they do to the environment
> exceeds profits they make.
>
> Viticulture in Australia often seems as ecologically destructive as growing
> wheat. The image that winegrowers are nature-loving, ecologically-aware
> types often seems misplaced.
>
> Harry Clarke.
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