Wine Australia and Wines of Western Australia have co-funded a sustainability project that aims to increase the overall sustainability of vineyards in Western Australia. The 12 month program – titled Sustainability adoption, certification and promotion for Western Australian wine growers and producers – hopes to increase the adoption of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification and membership by providing technical expertise and guidance.
According to Larry Jorgensen, CEO of Wines of Western Australia, the 12-month project hopes to contribute to one of the goals outlined in the Western Australian Wine Industry Strategic Plan 2024-34 to have Western Australia “recognised by consumers as one of the top ten regions internationally for sustainable wine production.
“This project will develop a practical toolkit/pathway to support Western Australian wine producers in achieving sustainability recognition domestically and internationally,” he continued.
“The primary focus will be on supporting Western Australian wine producers to achieve Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification.”
The project, which will continue until 30 June 2025, is being led by program manager Eloise Jarvis. Jarvis brings with her over 25 years of experience in Western Australia’s wine industry as a winemaker, educator, and consultant. This includes her current roles as Owner and Winemaker of La Kooki and as a Consultant, Winemaker and Owner at Margaret River Wine Solutions.
“It’s a privilege to be selected to deliver this project,” said Jarvis.
“I’m really excited by the opportunity to collaborate with each wine region’s grapegrowers and wine producers and our stakeholders to increase awareness, engagement and adoption of environmental, social and governance practices that will help create a prosperous and resilient wine community.”
Wine Australia General Manager Research and Innovation Paul Smith added, “Certification of sustainable growing and production practices are increasingly important to maintain access in many international markets. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices makes good business sense.”
Drinks Trade recently caught up with Mardi Longbottom, General Manager of Industry Development Support & Sustainability at the Australian Wine Research Institute and operator of the technical side of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, to discuss the achievements of the organisation along with its growth targets.
“Since we started in 2019, our membership has grown significantly; we have over 1400 members across the regions of Australia and 50% of those members are now certified [sustainable], so that’s a big increase from 2019,” Mardi Longbottom told Drinks Trade.
“The other important statistic is that [we have members] across 85% of the 65 [wine] regions across Australia… More than 30% of Australia’s vineyard area is now covered by sustainability certification.”
Western Australia wine producers interested in accessing the project are recommended to contact Eloise Jarvis directly projectmanager@winewa.asn.au.
WA State Government unveils 10-year craft beer strategy
Earlier this month, Western Australia State Government revealed the details of its first ever 10-year craft beer strategy, which is hoping to grow the volume and value of locally produced beer, and to achieve greater vertical integration of the craft beer value chain.
This plan was launched in partnership with the Independent Brewers Association, the Western Australian Brewers Association, and the South West Brewers Alliance and hopes to boost local production, create jobs, and support a currently-struggling industry that has proven economic potential.
