News & Events

Have your say on proposed changes to how South Australia’s wine industry funds are managed

South Australia’s grape and wine industry has access to a reliable source of funds through seven wine industry funds. These funds are managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) on behalf of the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.

PIRSA has proposed changes to how these funds are managed. This is intended to provide industry with better financial certainty and efficiency.

If you are a winemaker or grape grower who currently contributes to any of the wine industry funds, you are invited to share your thoughts.

You can have your say on the proposed changes and any other changes that you would like considered to improve the operation of the wine industry fund regulations.

Consultation is now open on YourSAy until 5:00 pm on Wednesday 7 July 2021.

​May 2021 update

As the vines rest so to do many of our grower members.  It has been nice to see some wonderful holiday snaps showing up on social media as many take the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned post vintage break. 

Word on the street tells us Vintage 2021 is estimated to return around average yields with above average quality across the State.  A pleasing result coming off some really challenging years of drought, frost, and bushfires.
 
Unfortunately, there were some increasing concerns raised by members around contract issues which was disappointing and added further layers of angst to an extremely busy time. I’m also hearing of some delayed grape payment which hopefully will be resolved sooner than later.

EcoVineyards project extended for 2 more years!

We're thrilled to announce our recent success with the National Landcare Smart Farms -Small Grants application. 

The Wine Grape Council and project partner Retallack Viticulture will be building on and extending our existing EcoVineyards project for another 2 years  - delivering more EcoGrowers, more trial sites and more fantastic projects all focussed on growing resilience and functional biodiversity in and around SA vineyards.

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2021 Changes to casual employment

A number of significant changes have been made to casual employment due to the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2020 (the Bill) being passed by the Federal Parliament. 

​These changes came into effect on 27 March 2021 and apply to the Fair Work Act 2009 ​.

We did it! 27,009 native plants planted!

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 At the start of the EcoVineyards project we set a goal of encouraging growers to plant 20,000 native plants in and around vineyards by the end of 2020. We did it! 27,009 native plants have been planted since the EcoVineyards project began. 

A big thank you to everyone who has got outside and planted some native plants. And just because we reached our goal doesn't mean we have to stop! If you get out planting over the Christmas break, let us know! You can pledge your plants here. 

How to register a security interest over your grapes

The Wine Grape Council of South Australia has worked with Piper Alderman to develop a guide to help grape growers understand how to register security over grapes.

Taking security over grapes secures the winery's obligation to pay your invoices on time and in full. It is also important to take steps to ‘perfect’ that security interest to maximise your chances of being paid.

To learn more about why grape growers should register security over grapes, read the circular from Piper Alderman.

Piper Alderman have also developed a step-by-step guide on how to register security over grapes just for WGCSA members which you can also download.

News Archive

Adrian Hoffmann appointed as the new Chair of the Wine Grape Council of SA​
Prices increase for top varieties in SA regions in 2020 wine grape crush​
SA Wine Grape Crush survey report​
2020 National Vintage report​
Growers and winemakers work together to improve commercial arrangements
Guidelines to help you manage vineyard workers in our current COVID-19 climate
WGCSA leads Vineyard Mapping Assessment Project
Growers positive despite the challenging start to 2020
Grape spills a major concern
Meet your transport law obligations this harvest
Vintage begins as we rebuild after the devastating bushfires
Bushfire response​
Tough times
EcoVineyards workshops receive great reviews 
Saving Prosecco is just one of the ways Australian Grape & Wine is working for growers
EcoGrowers set to start planting as EcoVineyard project gets underway
Response from industry to ABC Four Corners report on the Murray Darling Basin
ACCC starts the conversation we have to have if we're going to improve our industry
Australian 2019 vintage crushes predictions​
Using contractors? Things have changed - Is your business prepared?
Labour Hire and Contractor Licensing Law set to commence​
Mary Retallack announces WGCSA EcoVineyards project​
Free Fit4Work resources available for growers to download
Growers set to benefit with EcoVineyards project
Growers now partners in Australian Grape and Wine
Discover the drought support available for growers at free events across SA
Register for free Fit4Work workshops for vineyard workers
​Millipedes - An unwanted visitor in vineyards
SAWIA Notice - Repealing the Labour Hire Licensing Act
Grape sunscreen helping SA growers fight extreme conditions​
Meet viticulture expert Mary Retallack
Australia’s grape and wine producers unite
Loxton Fruit Fly outbreak - Movement conditions for grapes
Zero tolerance against fruit fly at Yamba
Free Chain of Responsibility workshops for WGCSA members
AV and WFA amalgamate to form Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated
SAWIA Notice - Implications of employing casual workers
2018 Annual General Meeting
Growers from across the state provide valuable insights for the future
ACCC commences market study into wine grape industry
South Australian Government announces intention to repeal the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017
Industry reform touted to create unity and strengthen representation​
Farm sector welcomes State Budget commitments but seeks R&D investment
Grape prices rise 4% across South Australia in Vintage 2018
Proposed changes to the SA Grape Grower Industry Fund
Roadshow wrap up and member registration details
Wage increase in award rates for the Wine Industry Award
How did the 2018 harvest go for grape growers across South Australia?
Labour hire licensing postponed to February 2019
Seasonal Climate Outlook from the Bureau of Meterology
Improving road transport for primary production - Update
​2018 'a cracker of a year' for South Australian wine
Draft National Alcohol Strategy puts wine and grape industry at risk​
WGCSA Election Policy: A 10 Point Plan for the Wine Industry
Labour hire licensing update
Delivery Despatch books - Order now!
Primary Producers and the Heavy Vehicle National Law
New labour hire licensing laws to commence
Biosecurity Alert - Brown marmorated stink bug detected 
Applications open for $10m of international wine tourism grants
A new and exciting direction for WHS & IR services for WGCSA members
Changes to permit processing in South Australia
Labour Hire Bill 2017: Implications for the Wine Industry
Increase to award rates applicable July 1
Key new appointment for grape growers
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