A dedicated executive officer, independent chair and skills based board will be established for the Australian grape and wine sector’s national sustainability program, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
The changes follow recommendations from an independent governance review, which outlined a pathway to improve clarity, efficiency and responsiveness, while supporting the program to better anticipate future needs.
Australian Grape & Wine, Wine Australia and the Australian Wine Research Institute have endorsed the changes through a new agreement for 2025 to 2030, reinforcing their shared commitment to the program.
Under the new arrangements, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia will have defined oversight, governance, funding and resourcing to support delivery for grapegrowers, winemakers and the broader sector. This includes a focus on improving ease of use and cost effectiveness for members.
“Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is fundamental for the sector in continuing to improve its ESG practices and demonstrating its sustainability credentials around the world,” said Lee McLean, CEO of Australian Grape & Wine.
“This new agreement demonstrates that Australian Grape & Wine, Wine Australia and the Australian Wine Research Institute are aligned in strengthening and improving the Program, supporting its success into the future.”
Wine Australia CEO Martin Cole said the agreement provides confidence to members and the wider sector that the program will continue to be supported and adapt to market requirements.
“Sustainability is a strategic imperative for the sector. It is critical to our resilience and competitiveness throughout a changing operational environment that is being driven by climate change and market, consumer and regulatory pressures,” said Cole.
“As a key element of the sector’s sustainability framework, we’re delighted to sign a new joint agreement for Sustainable Winegrowing Australia that will see the Program resourced, strengthened and equipped to support the sector’s current and future needs.”
A transition period will include the recruitment of an independent chair, board and executive officer. During this time, the Australian Wine Research Institute will continue to deliver the program to maintain continuity for members. The current Sustainable Winegrowing Australia lead, Mardi Longbottom, will act as interim executive officer while recruitment takes place.
Australian Wine Research Institute managing director Mark Krstic said the changes build on the program’s existing foundations and growing membership.
“We’re delighted to reach a new agreement for the benefit of the sector. Collectively, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia members represent around 70 per cent of Australia’s vineyard area and winery members crushed more than 80 per cent of Australia’s winegrapes this year,” said Krstic.
“There are more than 1800 members, more than 1200 of whom are certified through the Program. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia provides a framework of annual self assessments, benchmarking against industry data, and independent certification audits that track and verify progress across sustainable practices.”
The Australian Wine Research Institute has committed to contributing Sustainable Winegrowing Australia membership and training income to Wine Australia’s Research & Innovation Fund. Under the new arrangements, the program will be funded through this mechanism rather than levies collected from grapegrowers and winemakers.