Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/760410
w i n t e r 2 0 1 7 | 8 3 Justin Calvino, a biodynamic farming specialist and permaculturist, is deeply involved with the proposed Mendocino Appellations Project (MAP). vote in California November 2016). Although the initiative did not pass, the MHI would have outlines rules, regulations and guide- lines based on sustainable farming practices which all marijuana growers would be obliged to follow, and included limitations on locations and separate permits for commercial growers, establish- ment of a Cannabis Commission and a slew of other guidelines to safeguard organic farmers. His current committee project for 2017 is working on the proposed Mendocino Appellations Project (MAP), which identifies 11 distinct appellation zones in Terroir Mendocino, much like wines. "Codifying the appellation concept for cannabis country is imperative for protecting the livelihood of small family farmers and heritage farming practices that birthed the industry," explains Christopher Halmo, Founder of Casa Giallo and owner of a farm in the proposed Zone 9. "It also represents the bones of branding for the emerging market. Similar to AOC classifications, appellations establish minimum quality guidelines, protect and promote unique regional characteristics and will be a main driver of the canna- tourism economy." Growing cannabis, like growing wine grapes, is influenced by the elements of terroir, climate and varietal. The best quality medici- nal cannabis is grown under real sunlight and planted in soil native to each region using permaculture farming methods that replenish the earth with trimmings and compostable organic matter where the natural process of decomposition is aided by insects and complements the eco-system. In opposition, indoor grows use artificial sunlamps in manu- factured soil or hydroponics with chemical grow additives and poison sprays to control pests and fungus. Not a good formula for producing the best quality CBDs for medicinal use or the organic consumer concerned with the use of chemicals and pesticides in their products. With these sustainable practices at the forefront and a protected system that celebrates the terroir of cannabis, Mendocino is con- tinuing to lead the charge in becoming the Napa of cannabis. "This is the future of cannabis cultivation in California," says Halmo. See more coverage on the Mendocino Appellations Project (MAP) in upcoming issues of The Clever Root. "AN APPELLATION SYSTEM WOULD GIVE RENEWED LIFE AND MARKET SHARE TO THE FORGOTTEN ART OF SUNGROWN ORGANIC CULTIVATION." — CHRISTOPHER HALMO, FOUNDER OF CASA GIALLO ■cr PHOTO: DIANNE PORCHIA