Who would you trust to tell the truth, an industry group that sets up their own “certifiers” from the industry they are supposed to be certifying or real third party certifiers that have been professionals for decades? The “Sustainable Sonoma” signs you see all over the county are anything but. ” Some of the worse pesticides used and banned in other countries are being used in our vineyards. Some of the bad offenders have “Sustainable Sonoma” signs proudly displayed.
| California Sustainable | Organic | Biodynamic | |
| Pesticide restrictions | Very limited | Extensive | Same as organic |
| Enforcement | Industry group | National Organic Program (USDA) | Demeter USA (nonprofit) |
| Self assessment | Yes | No – inspected | No – inspected |
| Aspirational self assessment | Yes | No | No |
| Transparency | Limited | Yes – audit trail, audited by NOP annually | Yes – audit trail; accountable to Demeter International (in 44 countries |
| Political influence | Yes | Yes (animal welfare example) | None |