The South Australian Government is assisting grapegrowers with future planning and preparedness by using satellite imagery to map the extent of frost damage across the state.

Experts in satellite image analytics will use date sensitive imagery to capture the impacts from recent frost events and assess the damage caused to vineyards in severely affected regions.

Viticulturalists from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) have conducted on-ground assessments to confirm the satellite imagery has correctly identified the locations of frost impact.

The mapping will provide an indication of where frost damage has occurred and how many hectares of vineyard have been affected.

This information will assist producers with future decision making, allowing them to consider frost minimisation strategies around:

• vineyard floor management
• pruning method and timing
• trellis height
• variety choice
• investment in wind machines or sprinklers.

Frost causes serious cell damage to grapevines by freezing the water in leaves and shoots. This can significantly reduce yield and delay vine growth, with the secondary replacement shoots often producing fewer and smaller bunches.

PIRSA used the same satellite technology to assess frost damage caused to grapevines in the Clare Valley in October 2023. This imagery assisted growers to make input and business decisions about their blocks moving forward.

The State Government has also committed $50,000 to the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) for wine industry bodies to hold community events for winemakers, grapegrowers and others in the industry, focusing on mental health and wellbeing in their regions.

This is the latest in a range of measures over the past 12 months to assist growers with impacts of market disruption and severe weather events, including:

• A $260,000 grant to the Riverland’s CCW Co-operative – Australia’s largest member-owned wine grape co-operative – to lead the transition of SA winegrape growers who are looking to diversify to alternative crops. This supports improved access to information on alternative crops and revenue streams.
• Funding for Rural Business Support to provide immediate grants of up to $1,500 for eligible growers to cover day-to-day costs. This is in conjunction with business financial counselling.
• $4.4m committed in the recent State Budget to rural financial counselling, and Family and Business (FaB) mentor programs. These support primary producers and regional communities to be more prepared for managing future impacts of adverse events and industry challenges.

PIRSA’s FaB mentor service is available free of charge to help primary producers navigate challenging times. FaB mentors are located across regional areas to provide support and a listening ear when things get tough.

They are independent, confidential and experienced in dealing with difficult situations. FaB mentors work closely with other service providers such as Rural Financial Counsellors to connect primary producers with the right support

Find more information on support for winegrape growers in South Australia HERE.

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