Why does WFA have an R&D policy?
Effective research and development has been a critical
element in the successful growth of Australia's wine industry
over the last decade, especially in the fields of viticulture,
oenology and market development. WFA remains convinced that additional
research is critical to maintain Australia's competitiveness.
Our vision for the
industry
To ensure that returns from R&D activities are maximised and driven by industry demands, to encourage a high level of industry participation in setting the R&D agenda and to expand the funding base for R&D through the attraction of new investors and a broader range of research participants.
How will we achieve this?
By adopting the following strategies:
- Ensure that WFA provides clear policy advice to the government
on R&D issues on behalf of the wine industry;
- Ensure that the wine industry's research priorities are clearly stated and that they meet national and regional needs;
- Ensure adequate funding;
- Dissemination and extension of the outcomes/results of
R&D must ensure an efficient and effective system in line
with industry expectations;
- Intellectual property management must give priority to
the timely dissemination of research results and uptake of
research by the Australian grape and wine industry; and
- A cooperative research approach between industry, researchers,
funding bodies and government needs to be fostered.
What activities are we undertaking to achieve
the vision?
The industry recently agreed to an increase in
the Wine Grapes (Wine) Levy. In supporting the increase, WFA remains
committed to ensuring the industry maintains firm control over
the establishment of R&D priorities and ensuring they are
met.
A high-level industry committee, the Strategic Directions Group (SDG), was set up by the WFA, Wine Grape Growers Australia and the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation to manage this priority-setting process, and to encourage broad industry participation.
The SDG has now released a prospectus, taking into account the full range of needs across the grape and wine industries, starting with consumers and working backwards along the supply chain.
Background and other information
Who's working on research and development?
- Tony Battaglene, Director, International & Regulatory Affairs:
phone 02 6239 8300, email tony@wfa.org.au
- Stephen Strachan, Chief Executive:
phone 08 8222 9255, email ceo@wfa.org.au
Members are welcome to contact Tony or Stephen with any enquiries on R&D.
