Increasing cover crop adoption and functional biodiversity through behavioural science

Abstract

In 2022 Wine Australia launched their national adoption program, EcoVineyards, to support winegrape growers to plant cover crops, enhance soil health, and increase functional biodiversity. Evidn was engaged to provide behavioural science insights and recommendations to support the development and implementation of the program.

The final report provides a summary of Evidn’s completed work across the project period. Key deliverables across the project include:

1.  A behavioural systems analysis to identify the key drivers and barriers to engaging in the national EcoVineyards program and develop recommendations for the design and delivery of the extension program.
2.  A targeted regional analysis in the Riverland to identify the major drivers, barriers, and contextual factors influencing grower engagement in extension and adoption programs,
3. The development of proposed tools and strategies to support grower engagement and adoption and, 
4. A review of three EcoVineyards best management practice guides to provide behaviourally informed content revisions and suggestions to maximise the potential for grower acceptance and adoption.