The Andrews Labor Government is helping wine growers across the Sunraysia and Mallee region reach their full potential, with $20,000 to develop alternate grape varieties that produce high-quality wines adaptable to warmer and drier conditions.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford announced the grant from the Wine Growth Fund for Chalmers Wines in Merbein yesterday for the $89,000 ‘Future Grape Research Project’.
Chalmers Wines, which has been operating since the 1970s, will conduct trials of ten imported wine grape varieties that are more adaptable to a changing climate.
The project will develop a database to record optimum growing conditions and techniques, which will help the company determine the best techniques to produce premium quality wines.
This database will be freely available to all growers that purchase the new wine grape vines and will remain open to future updates from all winemakers as techniques develop over coming years.
The Labor Government has committed $1.19 million through the second round of the Wine Growth Fund to develop and grow the wine industry in Victoria and to support the industry to be viable and sustainable.
Victoria’s wine industry plays a vital role in regional and rural economies, contributing an estimated $7.6 billion to the Victorian economy and employing nearly 13,000 people.
The Wine Growth Fund is part of the Labor Government’s ongoing work to boost Victoria’s wine industry, which also includes the Wine Industry Development Strategy and the formation of the Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Committee.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“The Mallee region is renowned for producing some of the world’s very best drops. Our growers are leaders in innovation and this funding boost will uncork their potential.”
“Our Wine Growth Fund is helping Victoria’s diverse wine industry remain competitive and sustainable so we can continue to produce world class wines for local and export markets.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“This research project will not only help Chalmers Wines, but other growers and the industry as they respond to warmer, drier growing conditions.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020