South Australia's wine industry now has long-term funding certainty with the Marshall Liberal Government committing $1 million over the next four years to help support new development projects.
Under the new agreement with the Government, the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) will receive $250,000 a year over four years to support industry development.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said providing a funding agreement to 2026 gives the wine industry certainty.
"Marshall Liberal Government funding for SAWIA has been highly successful in supporting the development of the wine industry across every region of South Australia and we acknowledge the importance of this program continuing into the future," Minister Basham said.
"Given the impact of drought, bushfires, COVID-19 and significant international market loss, the next five years are crucial for the wine industry in South Australia.
"The wine industry plays a pivotal role in the state's economic fortunes so it is important we continue to assist wine grape growers and cellar doors where we can.
"This agreement will guarantee the future of SAWIA as a strong industry development organisation through until 2026, leading to a continuation of support that has been vital to our iconic industry during a challenging period."
SAWIA President Nick Waterman welcomed the $1 million funding commitment, noting it had seen the delivery of key projects in the areas of responsiveness, business planning and financial literacy workshops and consumer education.
"This support allows us to continue to improve business resilience, future planning and development in the wine industry, which in turn is of benefit to the state's economic growth, particularly in our wine regions across South Australia," Mr Waterman said.
"Having certainty for this funding allows SAWIA and the wine regions in South Australia to develop pathways that will continue to deliver measurable benefits to the industry and the state."
The latest consumer education event called 'Reserved' is taking place at the South Australian Museum on 25 June 2021 and is being presented by SAWIA and the Great Wine Capitals network.
At the ticketed event, 15 South Australian wineries will be serving their reserved, museum release, cellar-door-only and hard-to-find wines.
For further information about Reserved visit click here.
