- Hon Todd McClay
The Government is backing a programme to turn a winemaking by product into a valuable resource, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.
"Marlborough produces large volumes of winery lees - the organic residue from winemaking. Traditional disposal pathways are becoming more constrained and costly," Mr McClay says.
"We're investing more than $2.79 million through the Primary Sector Growth Fund to help fast track a programme led by Bragato Research Institute that will develop
a practical, long term solution that reduces waste, cuts emissions, improves soil health, and creates a new value stream for growers."
The programme is supported by co investors contributing a further $4.19 million. It involves collecting winery lees from participating wineries and converting it into a safe, high value soil amendment made from lees, compost, and biochar.
"This project will provide the testing, monitoring, and system design needed to prove the model works at scale, giving the local council and industry the confidence to invest in a permanent, self funding solution," Mr McClay says.
"If successful, the programme would establish a long term waste solution for Marlborough's wine industry and provide a blueprint that could be replicated by wine regions across the country.
"This is a strong example of government and industry working together to turn an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity - delivering benefits for growers, councils, communities, and the environment."
