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Meet the EcoGrowers

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David Bowley

Region: Adelaide Hills
1.  Tell us about your experience in grape growing?
Sadly, it's been a pretty rough ride. I've been in the winemaking industry for close to 20 years, but only been a vineyard owner / grower since mid-2018. Since then, we've had a shocking season in 2019, with yields down >50% on the long-term average, and then in the lead up to the 2020 harvest our entire property was destroyed by the Cudlee Creek bushfire, so no 2020 crop and none likely until 2025.
When I lay out the background like that, you'd have to wonder why I'm still here!

2. What prompted you to want to be involved in the EcoVineyards project?
I've always been a doer not a gunna, and when it comes to the environment, and matters like climate change, the general air of malaise I get from our political leaders on this issue has spurred me to act. Also, I think the evidence is clear that creating a diverse habitat for beneficial species in and around your vineyard gives you a great chance to grow better grapes!

3. What do you hope to achieve from your involvement in the EcoVineyards project?
  • A more beautiful looking and diverse property.
  • A positive contribution to the local area building habitat and conservation of natives.
  • Grow better grapes.

4. Have you tried to increase biodiversity on your property before undertaking this project? If so, how?
Yep - we've made lots of mistakes in the past.
We've already undertaken native planting programs in 2019, all of which was lost to the fire, so it's back to square one.

5. Why do you think it is so important for growers to try and build natural resilience on their property?
It starts at the grass roots level, doesn't it? The effects of climate change are likely to make grape growing a lot more challenging.
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6. Looking to the future, what do you see as a new 'normal' for grape growers on their properties?
Earlier harvest. More challenges due to the effects of climate change.
Hopefully also the new normal will include less traditional farming and more recognition of integrated systems.

Project Partners

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This project is supported by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
​This project is funded by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board through the NRM levy.


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© Copyright 2020 Wine Grape Council of South Australia (WGCSA) ABN 15 358 317 535 
  • Home
  • About
    • Our People >
      • Adrian Hoffmann
      • Troy van Dulken
      • Nick Price
      • Ben Pridham
      • Lachlan Allen
      • Jenny Venus
      • Helen Strickland
    • Strategic Direction
    • Industry Organisations
  • REGIONS
  • Grower Resources
    • SA Assistance Guide
    • Guide For Vineyard Removal & Waste Management
    • Code of Conduct Forum
    • Legal Services Partnership
    • Broadacre Burn-off Smoke Management Guidelines
    • AGW Factsheet for Growers
    • Personal Property Security Register
    • Grape Purchase Agreements >
      • Guide to selling wine grapes
      • Wine Industry Code of Conduct
      • Tips to recover payments
    • Transport Legislation
    • Despatch Docket Books
    • Licensing and Compliance Guide
    • Grower Guide to the Label Integrity Program
    • AWRI Fact Sheets
    • Video Library >
      • FIT4WORK
      • Grower Interviews
      • 2017 Wine Grape Grower Summit
      • WGCSA Councillor Interviews
  • GrowStrong 2025
    • GrowStrong Business Fundamentals
    • GrowStrong Events
    • GrowStrong Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Options
    • GrowStrong Pilot Program
  • Reports & Analysis
    • SA Crush & Pricing Report
    • Grape profitability by region
    • Global Market Analysis
  • PODCAST- Series 1
    • Episode 01- Tom Keelan
    • Episode 02- Ashley Keegan
    • Episode 03- Dr Ian Zajac
    • Episode 04- Lachlan Allen
    • Episode 05- Trudie Stanley
    • Episode 06- Adrian Hoffmann
    • Episode 07- Brett Smith & Ashley Keegan
    • Episode 08- Brad Case & Nicole Clark
    • Episode 09- Mary O'Brien
    • Episode 10- Ashley Ratcliff
  • PODCAST- Series 2
    • Episode 01- Anita Goode
    • Episode 02- Richard Leask
    • Episode 03- Matt Dorman, Callen Bubner
    • Episode 04- Kerri Thompson, Marnie Roberts
    • Episode 05- Simon Tolley
    • Episode 06- Steve Schiller, Rebecca Weatherill
    • Episode 07- Sheridan Alm
    • Episode 08- Nigel Blieschke, Tom Bartholomaeus
    • Episode 09- Roger, Greg and Tim Follett
  • News & Events
  • SHOP
  • EcoVineyards