A significant new investment agreement has been finalized between Wine Australia and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), set to span 4.5 years from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030. This partnership will continue to drive crucial research, development, extension, and industry support services for Australia’s vital grape and wine sector.
Sustained Investment in Innovation
This agreement represents a continuation of Wine Australia’s long-standing commitment to the AWRI. It ensures that industry R&D levies and matching Commonwealth funding are strategically directed towards priorities identified by the sector. The collaboration provides the AWRI with the necessary certainty and flexibility to deliver essential research and services directly benefiting levy payers.
Key Industry Priorities to be Addressed
Under the new framework, several key industry priorities will receive focused attention:
- Product innovation aimed at enhancing wine quality and style.
- Optimization of wine production processes, including technologies and strategies for managing taint, flavor faults, and stability risks.
- Sustainability and circular economy initiatives, with a particular focus on strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce resource inputs.
- Support for the Australian grape and wine sector’s market access strategy.
- Facilitating large-scale adoption of best practices through the AWRI Helpdesk, information services, and enhancing technical expertise in grape growing and winemaking.
Industry Leaders Welcome New Agreement
Dr. Martin Cole, CEO of Wine Australia, emphasized that the agreement effectively aligns levy investments with the sector’s most pressing priorities. “This new agreement has been developed collaboratively, with Wine Australia and AWRI management working side-by-side,” Dr. Cole stated. “We are directing investment to the priorities industry set out in the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan to deliver practical outcomes for grape and wine businesses.”
He further added, “Long-term capability is important and this agreement reflects our shared focus on maintaining essential services industry relies on day-to-day, investing in core grape and wine-focused research, and continuing to build the skills, knowledge and innovation needed to support greater impact for grape and wine businesses into the future.”
Significant Financial Commitment
The investment under this agreement exceeds $28 million, encompassing industry R&D levies, matching contributions from the Commonwealth Government, and co-investment. This substantial funding solidifies the AWRI’s position as Wine Australia’s largest research partner. Additional support may become available through the Australian Wine Future Fund during the agreement’s term.
Ensuring Continuity of Critical Services
The agreement also guarantees the continuity of critical sector-facing services that grape growers and winemakers depend on daily. These include access to technical information, regulatory support, and market access resources. These services are designed to help industry professionals make informed and timely decisions and will remain accessible irrespective of fluctuations in annual R&D levy revenue, which is tied to crush size.
AWRI’s Enduring Role
Dr. Mark Krstic, Managing Director of the AWRI, highlighted the institute’s ongoing role in delivering vital research, technical support, and practical tools. “AWRI has supported Australian growers and winemakers for more than 70 years and this agreement means we can keep delivering research and services to industry,” Dr. Krstic said.
He continued, “The AWRI team appreciate the support that Wine Australia provides and are excited about their continued commitment to deliver high priority tangible innovation outcomes. We are focused on providing practical solutions and information that industry can use straight away, while also delivering innovation that supports the sector’s longer-term resilience and sustainability.”
