PM promises additional $4m to wine producers

If re-elected, the Coalition will add an additional $4 million as it continues to support small and medium wine producers find their way into new export markets with grants of up to $25K.

“Our plan for a strong economy and stronger future backs in our world-leading wine producers to uncork new markets and create jobs in our regions,” the Prime Minister said.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the wine industry was a major contributor to the Australian economy, supporting over 160,000 jobs and over $45 billion concentrated in regional Australia.

“This funding helps smaller to medium sized wine producers access the lucrative world market by promoting the Aussie product internationally as some of the safest, most sustainable and highest quality wine in the world,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This investment adds to our $85.9 million Agri-Business Expansion Initiative, which is also supporting the wine industry, which has been hit by global uncertainty and anti-dumping and countervailing duties by China.”

Australian Grape & Wine welcomed the announced. Chief Executive, Tony Battaglene said: “After the lockdowns and travel restrictions caused by Covid-19, and the disappointment of the closure of the Chinese market, Australian wine exporters are keen to get on the with job of finding new opportunities and diversifying their exports.”

“This kind of investment helps small and medium wine producers to get back in front of consumers and buyers, allowing them to do what they do best in showcasing Australia’s finest wines across the globe.”

Under the commitment, the new round of the Wine Exports Grants program will open on 1 July 2022. Reimbursements of up to $25,000 would be provided to eligible businesses which have undertaken a range of expenses associated with their efforts to promote their wines overseas, including specific travel expenses, the costs of providing free samples, participation in trade fairs and in-store promotions, and marketing and advertising.

“The benefits of this commitment would flow right along the supply chain and into the regional communities that span Australia’s sixty-five distinct wine regions” said Mr Battaglene.