According to an editorial in today’s New York Times called “Pesticides in French Wine,” a grower of organic wine grapes in Burgundy has been fined 30,000 euros (about $41,000) for refusing to use pesticides on his vines.

French laws require growers to treat their vines with pesticides in order to control a bacterial disease called flavescence dorée, which is transmitted by leafhoppers. However, one grower refused to do so, arguing that there was no need since his vines were not infested, and that using the pesticide would kill beneficial insects as well.

In addition to the fine, he faces six months of prison time.

Read more at:

– Pesticides in French Wine