Let’s Keep the Valley Clear: Coordinating Crop Burns

As harvest wraps up across the valley, many growers are shifting focus to vineyard redevelopment, and this year, more acres than ever are being removed and replanted. With those pulled vines come piles ready for burning, and the permissive Crop Replacement burn season, the question becomes: how do we manage them responsibly?

It’s easy to understand the impulse to light up on the first clear, burn-authorized day. But when everyone acts at once, the valley fills with smoke, visibility drops, and what could have been a series of clean, well-timed burns turns into what looks like a valley-wide event.

As growers and stewards of this land, we share a collective responsibility to protect air quality — for our neighbors, our crews, and the greater community. A little coordination goes a long way.

​Here are a few simple ways to help keep the air clear:

1. Talk to your neighbors. If you know nearby vineyards have also been pulled, coordinate your burn days so fires are staggered. A quick text or phone call can make all the difference.
2. Connect through your AVA group. Local AVA meetings or email lists are great ways to share plans. If several growers are planning burns, consider spreading them out over several days.
3. Cover your piles if you can wait. Tarping piles keeps them dry and ready for cleaner, more efficient burning later in the season.
4. Be weather-smart. Always confirm with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) before burning and follow their daily authorization updates to avoid temperature inversions or poor dispersion conditions.
5. Consider alternatives. Explore chipping, grinding, or other biomass management options.

 
Every grower wants to do the right thing, sometimes it’s just about slowing down, looking around, and remembering that we all share the same air.
 
Learn More
For details on permitting, air quality notifications, and best practices for vineyard burning, visit NVG’s Agricultural Burning resource page.
 
Local Contractors
David Eakle, Eakle Construction
(707) 965-3610 ext. 101
 
Johnny White, Pina Vineyard Management
(707) 486-2198
 
Manuel Rios, Rios Farming Company
(707) 965-2587
 
Mark Neal, Jack Neal & Son, Inc.
(707) 963-7303
 
Matt Weinert, High Demand
(707) 227 - 6119