Grape and wine sector stakeholders are being invited to provide input and feedback on the framework for the National Vineyard Register (NVR). The consultation paper can be viewed on the Wine Australia website and submissions made directly or via an online form until 30 November.
The paper invites comments and answers to key questions about the NVR, including:
the benefits and features it should offer,
the data it should or could collect, and how that data should be collected,
how it might interact with other sector-wide programs and applications, and
who should manage, own and fund the ongoing maintenance and operation of the register.
An Industry Advisory Group comprising grower and winemaker representatives from national industry organisations has assisted in the development of the consultation paper. Advisory group member Ashley Keegan, Group Chief Executive Officer, Food and Beverage Australia Ltd and chair of the Australian Grape & Wine Grower Committee, encouraged growers to read the paper and contribute their thoughts.
"This is the best opportunity we have had in over 20 years to get a national vineyard register up and running," Mr Keegan said.
"But to make it successful, it needs to meet the needs and expectations of the majority of growers so that they will support it. Too many attempts have failed in the past due to lack of grower involvement."
Fellow Advisory Group member Wayne Ellis, Board member of the Australian Commercial Wine Producers and General Manager, Duxton Vineyards, agreed that input from the sector would be key to shaping the National Vineyard Register.
"There is so much to consider – from what data should be collected to who should manage and pay for the register in the long term – that we need a clear direction from the sector to narrow down the options.
"The paper concisely summarises the main issues around each question, giving good background information and making it easy to respond." Mr Ellis said.
Following the consultation process, options for the NVR will be developed in the new year. The Advisory Group agreed that it was essential to develop a practical solution at an affordable cost.
"We must not let perfection be the enemy of the good," Mr Keegan commented.
