In a decisive move following a meeting of the Commonwealth, State, and Territory Agriculture Ministers on Friday, March 8, it was announced that a dedicated viticulture and wine sector working group will be formed to address the pressing challenges faced by growers.
Comprising representatives from the Commonwealth, state, and territory governments, alongside key industry stakeholders such as Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine, the newly established wine industry taskforce will closely monitor the current oversupply of grapes.
Lee McLean, CEO of Australian Grape & Wine, expressed enthusiasm for the announcement, stating, “Australian Grape & Wine has been advocating for a coordinated and collaborative approach to tackle the challenges our sector is facing, and we are pleased Ministers have agreed to form this working group.”
Recognizing the significant challenges confronted by wine grape growers, particularly in inland regions, Ministers anticipate that the working group will conduct visits to the regions most impacted by oversupply.
The group is mandated to report back to Agriculture Ministers by the end of April, proposing actions aimed at supporting improvements in the grape and wine sector and ensuring its long-term viability by July.
“We are aware that several regions are under acute financial pressure due to supply and demand imbalances, including the Riverland in South Australia, the Riverina in NSW, and the Murray Valley in Victoria. It is reassuring that the group will concentrate on collaborative solutions to alleviate these pressures in these regions,” added McLean.
“Australian Grape & Wine has presented a range of options to the Albanese Government ahead of the Federal Budget, encompassing proposals to rebalance supply, stimulate demand, and enhance regional tourism.
“These proposals aim to provide Australia’s grape growers and winemakers with a pathway through the current challenges toward a sustainable and more profitable future.
“The formation of this working group reflects the robust working relationship Australian Grape & Wine has cultivated with the Australian Government. We anticipate collaborating with Ministers, officials, and other industry representatives to drive a positive agenda in the best interests of grape and wine businesses,” McLean concluded.
