Wine grape growers across the state who are experiencing challenges due to the current oversupply of red wine grapes will soon be able to access additional support through a State Government grant to Rural Business Support.
The Rural Business Support Relief Fund will assist by providing financial support for impacted red wine grape growers by making available immediate grants to those eligible of up to $1500 to accommodate routine costs.
This will be in conjunction with business financial planning.
The support aims to alleviate stress for grape growers, who have felt significant impacts owing to market disruption, severe weather events and natural disasters.
A further $60,000 in funding is also being provided to Rural Business Support to increase Rural Financial Counselling Services for the wine and viticulture industry.
The ethephon vineyard resting trial will also be extended to the next vintage to give growers time to make considered business decisions.
By applying this chemical, grape growers will be able to potentially save up to $2000 per hectare in input, water and management costs.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the government had been listening to the concerns raised by wine grape growers across the state.
“This additional funding to assist grape growers help cover routine costs through this challenging season continues our strong commitment to South Australia’s growers and local industries that underpin regional communities,” she said.
“The support work through Rural Business Support will provide assistance to the wine industry which has been heavily impacted by disrupted market conditions and global over -supply.
“Following my visit with a delegation of wine businesses to China last month, and the strong work of Premier Peter Malinauskas, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Federal Ministers Don Farrell and Penny Wong, I was delighted to see the lifting of the tariffs from China on Australian bottled wine.
“The removal of tariffs has been welcomed by our grape-growers and wine industry.
“The State Government is also supporting the wine and viticulture industry through a $1.85m re-engagement package that will assist the industry re-position South Australia as a market leader in China.”
This support complements other measures developed to assist local industry with ongoing challenges.
Other support is available including the Commonwealth’s Farm Household Allowance, Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and the Department of Primary Industries and Region’s (PIRSA) Family and Business (FaB) Mentors.
