The Victorian Government has announced a $160,000 investment to support Wine Victoria to provide the wine industry with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to improve their practises and outcomes.
Announced yesterday by the state’s Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, the investment has been matched by Wine Australia to total $400,000, which will be used to expand services, providing relevant and targeted advice, information and support to grapegrowers and winemakers in order to improve sustainability and innovation.
“This is a vital initiative for our industry,” said Wine Victoria CEO Stephanie Duboudin. “A dedicated viticulture resource will ensure Victorian growers and producers are equipped for the future, with access to the latest knowledge, techniques, and research to adapt to climate change, improve sustainability, and build long-term resilience.”
The extension officer will be a part of a national network of officers supported by Wine Australia, to guide winegrape growers, winemakers and other stakeholders with their farming and wine production practises.
“We recognise that grapegrowers and winemakers are at their best when they’re supported by people who understand their unique regional challenges and opportunities,” said Dr Martin Cole, CEO of Wine Australia. “Investing in extension services will strengthen the connection between research and industry, tailoring support and solutions to support future growth.”
Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, reiterated the importance of the wine sector to the Victorian economy.
“We support the wine industry because it creates real jobs—in winemaking, tourism and beyond,” she said. “Behind every one of those jobs is a worker with a family, contributing to their community and local economy—we’re on their side.”
Wine is an integral part of Victoria’s regional economy, providing jobs at wineries, vineyards, and cellar doors and contributing $9.5 billion to the Victorian economy. The industry attracts visitors from across the state and around the world into Victoria’s wine regions, proving to be an enduring and popular tourist drawcard.
The State Government said it is also working closely with industry to capture new opportunities as part of the Victorian Wine Strategy, which is set to be launched later in 2025.
The strategy has been co-designed with the Victorian wine industry, following extensive industry engagement in 2024-25. It focuses on improving domestic and international trade, innovation and sustainability, tourism, and people and community.
For more information on the Victorian Wine Strategy, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/wine-and-grapes/wine-strategy
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