Australian Vignerons 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 2015–16, the Australian wine industry was valued at $880 million (LVP).
The wine industry has a significant footprint in Australia, comprising 5,100 winegrowers over a vineyard area of 132,390 hectares. Grapes are made into wine at 2,300 wineries, and generated export sales of $2.56 billion in 2017, and gross sales of $5 billion. It is estimated that the wine industry contributes over $40 billion to the Australian economy, and directly employs over 68,000 people.
The most-grown wine grape varieties are Shiraz (26%), Chardonnay (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (14%). The major varieties by colour are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for reds and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon for whites.
Australian Vignerons estimates that although production has been steady, around two to three per cent of vines have been removed from production each year since the 2007–08 season. Recent positive market signals have seen vineyards being replanted to different varieties and clones in an effort to supply the changing demands.
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, 2007–16
Distribution of wine grape production by state and territory, 2015–16 (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 admin@phau.com.au. 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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