Victorian Wine Industry Welcomes New Strategy

June 13, 2017
By Alana House

Industry leaders and representatives from Wine Australia met with the Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, the Hon. Jaala Pulford, on the 9th of June to unveil the Victorian Wine Industry Development Strategy.

At the launch, Minister Pulford announced the commitment of nearly $900,000 in funding to the Victorian Government’s Wine Growth Fund. The grant will be used in correlation with the strategy’s framework to promote best practice viticulture, increase tourism to wine regions, ensure profitable and sustainable export markets and strengthen the structure and coordination of the industry.

Wine Victoria chair, Damien Sheehan, said the strategy was developed from more that 18 months of consultations with Victorian industry leaders, wine professionals and companies. He believes the collaboration between industry and government is the best way forward for the Victorian wine industry.

“We have increasing grape prices, record exports into China and a growing number of visitors heading to cellar doors,” said Sheehan. “This strategy aims to ensure the winemakers and grape growers can make the most of these opportunities.”

The Victorian wine industry currently employs just under 13,000 people, mostly in regional areas, and contributes $7.6 billion to the state economy. 

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