OCtober update

Am I the only one struggling to believe we’re at the end of October – where has 2021 gone?

​Following our AGM on the 19th of October, I’m pleased to confirm a great mix of councillors for the coming year with 2 still to be finalised in the next week or so.

Our Chair and Barossa representative, Adrian Hoffman is continuing, as are Troy van Dulken (Clare), Nick Price (McLaren Vale) and Sheridan Alm (Riverland). We also welcome Jenny Venus (Langhorne Creek) and Brett Rosenzweig as an independent councillor.

Adelaide Hills and our second independent will be confirmed in the coming weeks and I hope to introduce them to you next month.

​I personally thank all the Councillors who have stepped up in the past and those currently working hard on behalf of all SA Grape Growers.  As we move into some challenging times and uncertainty it’s never been more important to be involved in the conversations and be part of the solutions that will affect us all.
 
Some significant points of interest to share with you this month.
 

1. I’m very pleased to introduce you to Elise White who started with us in September as a part-time Executive Assistant and all-round life saver!  Elise is currently managing all our upcoming EcoVineyard events along with many other things (including taking control of our neglected Instagram page).  Elise can be contacted at [email protected]  Welcome aboard Elise – I’m not sure how we ever managed without you!
2. Our Spring EcoVineyards informal catch ups are here!  Events will include drinks and nibbles along with the ‘Natural predators of vineyard insect pests’ booklet launch.  Full details and registration information is included within the newsletter below. We would love you to join us. Contact Elise if you have any questions.
3. Australian Grape and Wine are facilitating an important Pre-Vintage briefing on November 4th.  I strongly encourage everyone to register for this honest, straight-up discussion about the expected realities of Vintage 2021.  Details and how to join the conversation are below.
4. Primary Producers SA this week announced their inaugural CEO – Caroline Rhodes who joins recently appointed Chair Professor Simon Maddocks. See the press release here. This is a very positive and welcome opportunity for the Wine Grape Council to collaborate with our fellow PPSA commodity groups to achieve some significant outcomes for the agriculture sector and our members. I look forward to working with Caroline in identifying opportunities that will deliver benefits to our members. A Primary Producers SA update will be added to all future monthly newsletters.​

It's been devastating to see many members affected by the significant weather events occurring yesterday and overnight. I will continue to work with PIRSA to understand the impacts and will keep you updated as information comes to hand.

Cheers,
Lisa Bennier