Further support for Australia's grape and wine sector

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to support Australian wine makers and grape growers and is today announcing additional funding for the sector.

An additional $1.1 million will be added to the $3.5 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package, being delivered by Wine Australia, to support the resilience of the sector following the oversupply of red wine.

This 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 opportunities the future holds.

The upcoming Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference (AWITC) is one example of that commitment.

It 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 AWITC in 2025 and 2028.

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

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“The Albanese Labor Government recognises the challenges that our grape and wine sector continue to face, including the oversupply of red wine grapes.

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

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

Quotes attributable to CEO of Wine Australia, Dr Martin Cole:

"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.

"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."

Quotes attributable to Chair of AWITC and Managing Director of Australian Wine Research Institute, Dr Mark Krstic:

“The generous support of the triennial Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference will help us to support more growers and producers to attend this 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.

“This funding support from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry enables us to bring key international trade delegations to the Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference – an invaluable opportunity to strengthen relationships, showcase our technical expertise, and to grow the presence of Australian wine in these markets.”