Abstract
Wine Tasmania identified a gap in the regional capacity to co-ordinate and deliver extension activities and liaise between the wine sector and government and research bodies. Wine Tasmania employed an experienced viticulturist as an Industry Development and Extension Officer to collect, analyse and disseminate information, implement the AGWA Regional program, conduct an annual vintage survey, represent the Tasmanian wine sector on state and national committees and ensure research findings are extended to groups and individuals through on-site visits.
Summary
The results indicate that the presence of a dedicated extension professional promotes improvements in the dissemination of information, including the outcomes of current research, permits the focused collection of data for the development of the related region.
The Wine Tasmania Board and members have confirmed the need for a dedicated extension resource, particularly as the sector grows and new entrants are attracted. Given the small size of the sector, albeit growing, the sector itself is not in a position to fully find an extension resource, and has secured partial support in 2015/16 from the Tasmanian Government. Wine Tasmania has also sought continuing support from AGWA for these critical activities, as part of its regional funding reporting.