InitiativesGrape Barossa Initiatives
SA North Extension & Adoption Plan
Young Grower Programme - Barossa's Next Crop
SA North Extension & Adopotion Plan
The Barossa Grape & Wine Association was recently granted $50,000 from the GWRDC to fund a range of extension and adoption activities in the northern wine regions of South Australia. Over the next 12-months a range of regionally specific initiatives relevant to growers will be executed by Grape Barossa, Barossa Viticulture Technical Group, Eden Valley Winegrape Growers Group, Clare Regional Grape Growers Association and the Southern Flinders Wine Industry Council.
These initiatives address regionally specific issues pertaining to: water; economic sustainability; climate change; pest and disease; and best management practices.
In October 2009, the first initiative of the SA North Plan was delivered. Water Efficiency workshops were held in the Barossa and Clare. These workshops were aimed at increasing growers' knowledge on efficient use of water and overall irrigation management. Workshop topics covered: irrigation system design and maintenance, soil moisture monitoring, water budgeting, cover cropping, mulching, and soil salinity and sodicity.
The second initiative of the SA North Plan was held in November by the Eden Valley Winegrape Growers Group. This included a field day focusing on soil and water management in Eden Valley. Growers learned about the various strategies Eden Valley growers must employ to maximise water in an area of limited water availability.
The third initiative of the Plan was delivered in December 2009. A fact sheet on heat stress in Barosa and Clare vineyards was released, capturing information from local growers on their experience with the previous two years heatwaves. It also indicates strategies for mitigating damage in vineyards as a result of prolonged hot weather.
Other initiatives will be delivered over the next 6 months, including eutypa workshops, financial workshops, and a spray drift campaign.
To read more about the SA North Extension & Adoption Plan, click here.
Barossa's Next Crop
The upcoming generation of growers is a prime focus for Grape Barossa over the next 12 months. As the average of of growers in the Barossa is 54 years, succession is vitally important to ensure the Barossa maintains its culture, heritage and dynamic community. In August 2009, Grape Barossa held a function for 60 young growers at Gomersal Wines. Facilitated by Peter Fuller, the young growers heard from other young leading growers about their challenges in a family business. This event provided growers with an opportunity to network with others in the community who share similar interests. It is intended that Grape Barossa will hold another event for this group early 2010. A young grower leadership programme is also being organised.
Young growers (L-R) Dan Habermann, James Rosenzweig, Matthew Munzberg and Adrian Hoffmann