Government funding to support struggling sector

Yesterday, the Albanese Labor Government announced it would be adding an additional $1.1 million to the $3.5 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package to support the resilience of the sector following the oversupply of red wine.

This added funding will be used to support additional international market access and trade diversification activities, and research for new and innovative technologies and tools to control plant pests.

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to bringing the industry together to collaborate on future opportunities.

One example of such commitment is the upcoming Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference (AWITC) which will see growers, winemakers and other industry participants, come together in Adelaide for four days of knowledge sharing and network building in late July.

Under the Showcasing Australian Agriculture – Regional Trade Events Program, $550,000 in grant funding was presented to the Australian Wine Research Institute to expand the scale and reach of the conference in 2025 and 2028.

This conference funding will facilitate new investment and connections, increase industry participation, and support greater engagement with key international trading partners.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said that the Albanese Labor Government recognises the challenges that the grape and wine sector continues to face, including the oversupply of red wine grapes.

“Funding for the Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package and the (conference) aims to enhance engagement with key international trading partners and support greater collaboration across the sector which we know is critical,” she said.

“This funding will also continue our work on rebuilding international demand and new markets for wine while increasing the productivity and resilience at home.”

CEO of Wine Australia, Dr Martin Cole said that Wine Australia welcomes this additional funding from the Australian Government, which recognises the critical role the grape and wine sector plays in regional communities and international trade.

“It provides timely support as we work to adapt to shifting global conditions and grow demand for Australian wine around the world,” he said.

"More support for innovation will help equip winegrape growers with the tools and technology needed to manage evolving crop protection challenges and build resilience in the vineyard."

Chair of Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference and Managing Director of Australian Wine Research Institute, Dr Mark Krstic, said the support of the conference will enable more growers and producers to attend the important event, providing exposure to the latest innovations and production techniques in viticulture and winemaking. 

“At a time of real challenge for the sector, this support is both timely and invaluable. With over 60% of Australian wine exported to global markets, growing access to emerging markets like India is essential to the future of our wine industry,” he said.