November update

​I can hardly believe it’s the end of November, what a crazy year 2020 has been for everyone. Never have I felt more thankful one day and incredibly worried the next, it's been that sort of ride. 
 
Our lead article this month includes valuable information and a step-by-step guide on how growers can register a security interest over grapes sold to a winery.  These documents have been prepared for the Wine Grape Council of SA (WGCSA) by Piper Alderman. 

Although they offer a significant amount of information, they are of a general nature.  WGCSA encourages members to seek their own legal advice where further detail or assistance is required.   

For WGCSA members who would like help in registering a security interest on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) Piper Alderman is offering a member-only fixed price deal (conditions apply). Please email Bianca Jennings at bjennings@piperalderman.com.au or call on (08) 8205 3406 to find out more and secure the special price.
 
Over several years WGCSA has been reviewing and consulting on the calculation method of the SA Grape Grower Industry Fund.  This fund has been set at $1/tonne since 2007 which the council believes is not equitable and no longer viable to maintain the level of work and support carried out at the state and national level.
 
WGCSA continues to hold two critical memberships on behalf of our independent SA Wine Grape Growers. The first is with Primary Producers SA (PPSA), the peak body for South Australian agriculture and the second is Australian Grape and Wine (AGW) the national body for the grape and wine industry.
 
These two memberships provide us access and opportunity to share, collaborate, consult and advocate more efficiently for growers on state and federal issues including with government departments. 
 
At the national level Australian Grape and Wine (AGW) is continuing to work hard addressing issues that affect growers including bushfires, drought, COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, code of conduct, anti-alcohol lobby, taxation, transport and water to name just a few.  As we’ve seen lately, these issues can have a huge impact on growers and must be managed well and with adequate resources. 

WGCSA is concerned that the critical workload at both state and federal level continues to rise and the funding remains at the same level as 2007.
 
Shortly, we will be asking members to consider a change to the calculation method of the SA Grape Grower Industry Fund from volumetric to ad valorem.  WGCSA believes this will deliver a fairer method of calculation and help provide ongoing support, additional resources, and increased advocacy at the state and national level for SA wine grape growers.
 
PIRSA have kindly agreed to facilitate the distribution of information and the online ballot on behalf of WGCSA to all current members.

We strongly encourage you to consider the proposal and have your say through the ballot process. In the end, it must be the members who ultimately decide the future direction of their industry bodies.
 
We hope to have this information and ballot out to members prior to Christmas so keep an eye out for further details in due course.
 
Through all the challenges of 2020, one thing is certain – life goes on, and so I look forward with optimism to a great summer and fantastic 2021 for you all.
 
Cheers,
Lisa Bennier
Business Manager
Note: Our office will be shut from 24th December to 1st January inclusive.