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A partnership has been established to support grapegrowers and wineries in the Greater Victoria area, announced today by The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), the Department of Primary Industries Victoria (DPI Victoria), the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) and Wine Victoria.
“The aim of this partnership is to keep industry members up-to-date on topical research and industry relevant outcomes,” said AWRI Managing Director, Dr Dan Johnson. “It will also form the basis for a new, Greater Victorian node of the AWRI.” “After a recruitment process conducted by the AWRI, I am delighted that Mark Krstic has accepted the position to manage the node. Initially, his focus will be on delivering an extension and activity plan as developed in conjunction with the Victorian grape and wine sector. Key areas will include communicating with industry on smoke taint issues, climate change adaptation, improving grape and wine quality and agrochemical usage within Greater Victoria.” Ron Harris Executive Director Farm Services Victoria said, “Grape and wine producers will benefit through increased uptake of the latest technologies and by being assisted to adopt best management and climate change adaptation practices.” “The appointment of Mark Krstic to the role of Extension Services Manager – Victoria is a wonderful outcome for the joining of forces of Wine Victoria, DPI Vic, GWRDC and the AWRI,” said Chris Pfeiffer, President of Wine Victoria. “This gives us the opportunity of maximizing outcomes from the available resources and removing the duplication, so important in these challenging times. We look forward to Mark taking up the challenges of delivering the outcomes to Victoria’s 21 Wine Regions.” While the node will draw directly on world-class research, development, extension and commercialisation resources from the AWRI, annual work plan and activities will be directed by an ‘Industry Steering Committee’ which includes a representative from each of Wine Victoria, DPI Victoria, the GWRDC and the AWRI. The AWRI’s Victorian node complements its existing operations in Adelaide and nodes in Griffith and Hobart. The partnership has been established through cooperative funding by cash and in-kind contributions from DPI Victoria, GWRDC and the AWRI. Further information: Rae Blair, Communications Manager, The Australian Wine Research Institute Tel: 0417 810 737 or email: rae.blair@awri.com.au |
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