A $2.5 million South Australia Wine Recovery Program aims to assist grape growers and winemakers through adverse events and market disruptions.
The three streams of the program are being managed by the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), in close collaboration with the Wine Grape Council of South Australia and the state government.
Commenced in March, stream one focuses on improving the management of vineyard waste, such as the growing stockpile of CCA-treated timber posts at vineyards.
Stream two will target the increasing demand for South Australian wine. The east coast accounts for nearly 80 per cent of Australia’s wine consumption.
Stream three aims to position the South Australian wine industry as Australia’s leading sustainable wine state, supporting growers and winemakers in becoming preferred business partners domestically and globally.
Developed in response to recommendations from the National Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group, the $2.5 million program supports the wine industry by providing solutions to help navigate recent challenges.
“This investment by the Albanese Labor Government demonstrates its commitment to supporting the Australian grape and wine sector to address challenges and ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability,” said minister of agriculture, fisheries and forestry Julie Collins.
“The three streams will help address some immediate challenges facing our industry, while also backing the people and places at its heart,” said chief executive officer of Winegrape Council SA, Lisa Bennier.
The streams will strengthen the governance capabilities of regional producers, industry leaders and representative organisations, assisting them in tackling sector-wide challenges.
“This program represents a valuable investment by the state and federal governments in our growers and winemakers at a time when the industry is working through significant adjustments and disruptions,” said chief executive officer of SA Wine Industry Association, Inca Lee.
“It’s designed to support long-term success across South Australia’s wine regions.”