Grape and wine sector stakeholders are being invited to provide input and feedback on the framework for the National Vineyard Register (NVR). The consultation paper can be viewed on the Wine Australia website and submissions made directly or via an online form until 30 November.
The paper invites comments and answers to key questions about the NVR, including:
- the benefits and features it should offer,
- the data it should or could collect, and how that data should be collected,
- how it might interact with other sector-wide programs and applications, and
- who should manage, own and fund the ongoing maintenance and operation of the register.
An Industry Advisory Group comprising grower and winemaker representatives from national industry organisations has assisted in the development of the consultation paper. Advisory group member Ashley Keegan, Group Chief Executive Officer, Food and Beverage Australia Ltd and chair of the Australian Grape & Wine Grower Committee, encouraged growers to read the paper and contribute their thoughts.
“This is the best opportunity we have had in over 20 years to get a national vineyard register up and running,” Mr Keegan said.
“But to make it successful, it needs to meet the needs and expectations of the majority of growers so that they will support it. Too many attempts have failed in the past due to lack of grower involvement.”
Fellow Advisory Group member Wayne Ellis, Board member of the Australian Commercial Wine Producers and General Manager, Duxton Vineyards, agreed that input from the sector would be key to shaping the National Vineyard Register.
“There is so much to consider – from what data should be collected to who should manage and pay for the register in the long term – that we need a clear direction from the sector to narrow down the options.
“The paper concisely summarises the main issues around each question, giving good background information and making it easy to respond.” Mr Ellis said.
Following the consultation process, options for the NVR will be developed in the new year. The Advisory Group agreed that it was essential to develop a practical solution at an affordable cost.
“We must not let perfection be the enemy of the good,” Mr Keegan commented.
Consultation is open until 30 November. For more information, visit www.wineaustralia.com/nvr.
For media enquiries please contact
Kim Partridge
Corporate Affairs Manager, Wine Australia
Phone: 08 8228 2000
Email: communications@wineaustralia.com
About Wine Australia
Wine Australia empowers the success of the Australian wine sector through Research, Innovation and Adoption to enhance global competitiveness and meet the challenges of tomorrow, today; Market Development to increase the demand and premium paid for Australian wine; and Regulatory Services to safeguard Australian wine’s integrity and uphold the sector’s reputation.
Wine Australia is funded by the sector, for the sector, through grapegrower, winemaker and exporter levies and user-pays charges, with matching funds from the Australian Government for research and innovation. Established under the Wine Australia Act 2013, it is a Commonwealth Government statutory authority.
About the National Vineyard Register Framework Project
The establishment of a national vineyard register was one of the top priorities identified in the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan. It aims to equip the sector with valuable data and insights for long-term planning and informed decision making.
The National Vineyard Register (NVR) Framework Project is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), as part of its $3.5 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package to support the Australian grape and wine sector to reach long term sustainability through new initiatives to assist growers and producers. A framework for the register is expected to be delivered by June 2025. Subject to the feasibility of the proposed framework, the build phase is scheduled for completion by June 2026.
For more information, visit www.wineaustralia.com/nvr