Australian Grape and Wine represents the biosecurity interests of wine grape producers and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:
- biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
- liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
- funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
- participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.
Industry overview
In 2016–17, the Australian wine industry was valued at $971 million (LVP). Grapes are made into wine by 2,400 wine producers, generating export sales of $2.56 billion in 2017, and gross sales of $5 billion.
The wine industry has a significant footprint in Australia, comprising 6,200 wine grape growers over a vineyard area of 135,133 hectares. It is estimated that the wine industry contributes over $40 billion to the Australian economy, and employs over 170,000 people.
The most grown wine grape varieties are Shiraz (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (18%) and Chardonnay (16%). The major varieties by colour are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for reds and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon for whites.
The Australian wine industry has been fortunate to date in avoiding many of the world’s most devastating grape vine pests and as a result possesses some of the oldest vineyards in the world. Australia remains free from Xylella fastidiosa, and the industry continues to work hard to manage the spread of phylloxera. Australian grape and wine producers enjoy an enviable global reputation for producing high quality wines.
Throughout 2018, Australian Vignerons participated in the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed on behalf of the grape and wine industry. In 2018, Australian Vignerons and Winemakers’ Federation of Australia voted to amalgamate to form Australian Grape and Wine. The new amalgamated association will maintain a strong commitment to biosecurity and lead an industry that is resilient to pest and disease risk.
The wine grape industry is covered by version 3.0 of the viticulture biosecurity plan and the Biosecurity Manual for the Viticulture Industry Version 1.0.
Value of production and distribution
Annual value of wine grape production, 2007–17
Distribution of wine grape production by state and territory, 2016–17 (based on LVP)
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Viticulture Industry
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the viticulture industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Viticulture Industry provides a framework for biosecurity risk mitigation measures in the industry. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email [email protected] Click here for more information about planning and implementation of your industry biosecurity plan.
Biosecurity Manual for Viticulture Industry
The Biosecurity Manual for Viticulture Industry contains information to help producers to implement biosecurity on-farm. Manuals usually contain an overview of biosecurity, fact sheets to identify the high priority pests of a crop, tips on crop management, and how to manage people, vehicles and equipment to minimise biosecurity risks.
Manuals also contain a biosecurity self-assessment list, and templates to record pest surveillance records and visitors. More information about on-farm biosecurity for both plant and livestock producers is available from the Farm Biosecurity website.
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