Australian Vignerons in "dire straits"

The Weekly Times has reported that Australian Vignerons is in "dire straits" and on the verge of collapse due to a lack of funds.

Chief executive Andrew Weeks has warned the national advocacy body may no longer be able to operate by April.

Lack of support from the industry means its financial reserves are exhausted.

“On a crude average, the cost to maintain Australian Vignerons works out to around 18 cents per tonne of grapes crushed in the 2016 vintage ... if the industry is unwilling to invest 18 cents in Australian Vignerons for each tonne of fruit produced, then it has a problem,” Weeks said.

Last year, Wine Grape Growers Australia members voted to support a restructure and new direction at a Special General Meeting and renamed the organisation Australian Vignerons.

It refocussed its attention on grower advocacy, biosecurity and collaborating with Winemakers’ Federation of Australia on research, development and marketing programs.

“We can only assume that despite direct communications with state and regional bodies, personal presentations at state and regional meetings ... and regular newsletters ... members do not understand the value or do not see value in the organisation," Weeks said.

“We are not sure if growers in all regions fully appreciate the gravity of what might unfold if this does occur.”

If Australian Vignerons folds it would leave Winemakers’ Federation of Australia as the only national voice for the wine industry.

“One of our members puts it perfectly — a national advocacy body is vital insurance against poor policy being implemented, which can lead to damaging outcomes,” Weeks said.