The Sustainable WA Technical Committee convened in July, bringing together viticulture professionals, researchers, and regulatory partners to review program progress and prepare for the program’s next formal standard revision. The meeting reinforced the program’s commitment to scientific rigor, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Key meeting topics included:

• Review of the committee’s responsibilities, structure, and expectations
• Distribution of a committee survey to identify and address any expertise gaps
• Updates to the review timeline for the Sustainable WA Standard
• Required confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive grower data

The Technical Committee plays a critical role in maintaining the program’s credibility by ensuring that certification criteria are scientifically grounded, practical, and aligned with state and federal regulations. Their work is integral to keeping the program robust and reflective of industry best practices.

Looking ahead, the Technical Committee will reconvene this fall to:

• Review aggregate audit scores from recent years
• Analyze grower feedback and any recurring audit issues
• Incorporate insights from participants, auditors, program management, and the Governance Council
• Evaluate new regulations that may affect certification criteria

The outcome of this process will be a revised Sustainable WA Standard, scheduled for release ahead of the 2027 growing season.

This collaborative and expert-driven approach ensures that Sustainable WA continues to evolve alongside the industry.