RIVERLAND grape growers will need to undergo certification processes to transport fruit this season, however a senior local industry figure expects fruit fly outbreaks in the region will have “minimal” effects on the upcoming vintage.
Riverland Wine held meetings for local grape growers at the Barmera Club and Renmark Hotel last Thursday to discuss industry impacts from current fruit fly outbreaks in Monash and Renmark.
CCW chief executive officer Sean Cole said the movement of harvest equipment between outbreak areas was the main concern for Riverland grape growers.
“Both meetings were very well attended in similar numbers to that of (last) Monday’s meeting,” Mr Cole said
“Some of the concern initially centred around adequate resources and protocols being in place to wash down harvesting equipment, especially moving in and out of the hot zones.
“But by the second meeting in Renmark PIRSA staff had formulated a protocol and plan to provide facilities to do so.”
Mr Cole said adequate time remained before the upcoming harvest for growers to undertake accreditation processes in order to transport grapes.
“As long as growers get on the front foot with their accreditation paperwork – for those that won’t have it done for them by the receiving winery or CCW – the disruption will be minimal,” he said.
“Growers need to remain mindful of the additional conditions when transporting fruit through, into or out of exclusion zones.
“For any further information on this we recommend growers contact PIRSA.”
Mr Cole said CCW would assist its members to ensure grapes can be moved from local vineyards to wineries.
“We will continue to inform members of any required paperwork and in most cases – if not all cases – work with the receiving wineries to do the paperwork required on behalf of members,” he said.
“Members can as always contact the CCW office with any queries.”