Fund aims to grow wine industry

THE state government is pouring money into the local wine industry with its Wine Growth Fund.
Launched last week, the fund aims to develop and sustainably grow the wine industry in Victoria by providing innovative growers, organisations and projects with funding to build both domestic and international markets.
Applications are now open for grants of up to $20,000 for individual organisations and $50,000 for collaborative projects involving more than one organisation.
projects that increase wine tourism and cellar door sales, foster export markets and deliver skills and training for business development.
Funding is provided on a co-contribution basis of $1 to $1 to the maximum grant amount.
Applications are open to businesses or organisations directly involved in the Victorian wine industry, including the growing, production and marketing of wine, businesses or organisations that act as service providers to the wine industry and groups of individuals, businesses or organisations.
Wine Victoria chair Damien Sheehan said his organisation welcomed the state government’s support of the wine industry at a time when many of the industry were doing it tough.
“The investment announced today gives us the ability to partner with the government on key issues “As the Australian dollar drops and the strength of Victoria’s tourism grows, now is the time to increase the world’s knowledge of our premium wine offering by increasing cellar door visitation and growing exports in key markets.”
The Wine Growth Fund is part of the state government’s $1 million election commitment to boost the wine industry, which also includes the Wine Industry Development Strategy and the formation of the Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Committee.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said Victoria’s premium wine was the envy of the nation.
“That’s why we’re supporting the industry to ensure the world continues to demand our products.
This is about investing in our growers, our industry bodies and the entire supply chain.
“These grants will help producers, intermediaries and representative bodies to maximise the opportunities available to better market and export some of Australia’s best wine.”
For more information on the grant program, head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/wine.