The implementation of a national standard for grapevine certification – Phase 2a

Summary

Objective

This project is the second phase of a program of work to develop a national certified standard for grapevine propagation material which is underpinned by current science and can be applied throughout the propagation supply chain and into vineyards. It relates to the implementation model developed in the first project (WAC 2101) ‘Development of a national grape-industry strategy for the implementation of a national standard for grapevine certification – Phase 1’, which contains five phases of work.

Background

The Australian wine sector currently lacks a quality assurance system which covers the entire propagation supply chain, from collections through to customers. It is also acknowledged that there are critical gaps in knowledge related to pathogen surveillance and diagnostics. This means that there can be only limited assurance that the material being supplied for vineyard plantings is ‘disease-free’ or of a certain provenance, creating uncertainty for buyers.

Research approach

The project addresses Phase 2a of the model, which aims to address immediate priorities for the Standard through the following overarching outputs:

1. Quantifying the value proposition for certified planting material
2. Develop protocols for the production of planting material for collections, multiplication and source blocks including rapid or green propagation and the movement of grapevine material between collections
3. Setting-up for success: governance and funding model
4. Develop and implement a communication strategy
5. Develop plan for Phase 2b
   

Sector benefits

The long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian wine sector hinges on the health, quality and integrity of its vineyards. Planting material is sourced from nurseries through the grapevine propagation supply chain, which also involves vine improvement organisations, grapevine collections, breeding and clone selection programs, post-entry quarantine facilities and private cutting suppliers. A quality nursery vine ready for planting is one that is of known type, healthy, establishes quickly and performs to expectations in the vineyard. This in turn depends on the quality of the rootstocks and scion cuttings entering the propagation chain and subsequent nursery management practices.