There’s fresh calls for urgent Riverland Wine industry support, as growers face continued business pressure amid an industry crisis.
An open letter to the State Premier Peter Malinauskas has warned of the potential impact to the region, as growers continue to receive prices for wine grapes under the cost of production.
The letter signed by Amanda Dimas, Chair of the Riverland Winegrape Growers Association and Jim Markeas, Chair of the Riverland Wine Industry Development Council has called for urgent intervention, including a Government led meeting with key stakeholders.
Further calls for the Premier to visit the Riverland have also been made, including by Local MP, Tim Whetstone.
As outlined in the letter, Riverland Wine is calling for immediate government intervention, including:
- A government-led crisis meeting with industry, banks, peak bodies and representatives of growers and wineries, within the region by the end of January.
- An immediate and structured support package for those who want to adapt and continue to farm.
- Transitional support for those exiting the industry to address vineyard abandonment, biosecurity threats, and long-term land devaluation.
A copy of the open letter is available to read on the Riverland Wine website.
