UPDATE: The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has just announced a crucial third round of support for South Australian grape growers to trial Ethephon, a plant growth regulator, in a bid to rest their red wine vineyards. This initiative, strongly advocated by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, offers a $40 rebate for each hectare sprayed, covering costs for up to 1,000 hectares per Australian Business Number (ABN).
Growers can take advantage of this rebate for Ethephon purchased between July 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026. If they choose to rest their vineyards and do not plan to sell their fruit, they could potentially save as much as $2,000 per hectare in input, water, and management costs. This support arrives as the wine sector grapples with a significant oversupply of grapes, leading to a decline in prices throughout the supply chain.
South Australian Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven highlighted the pressing concerns among grape growers in the state. “SARDI research has shown that resting vines prevents waste of unharvested fruit in vineyards and mitigates risks with associated pest and disease pressures,” said Minister Scriven. She encourages growers to explore vineyard resting and utilize the Ethephon rebate to alleviate financial burdens.
In a statement, Lisa Bennier, CEO of the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, called the initiative a positive development for local grape growers. “With the rebate now available, we hope uncontracted growers will consider resting their vineyards to reduce costs,” she noted, expressing gratitude for the government’s ongoing support during these challenging market conditions.
Grapegrowers facing unviable pricing or lacking contracts for their 2026 crop should seriously consider this opportunity. Resting vineyards not only reduces management costs but also minimizes the usage of valuable resources like irrigation water while preventing waste and associated pest pressures. This approach provides crucial time for growers to assess the long-term viability of their operations.
The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), along with Riverland Wine and The Australian Wine Research Institute, will offer resources starting from July 2025 to assist growers contemplating the vineyard resting strategy for the upcoming 2025-26 growing season. Research by SARDI, in collaboration with Wine Australia, has shown that applying Ethephon effectively reduces yields to the extent that harvest may not be necessary, all while maintaining healthy vine foliage essential for future growth.
For more information on the vineyard resting trial and to apply for the rebate, visit: [South Australia Government](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/business-and-trade/primary-industries/vineyard-resting-rebate). This support could be a game-changer for South Australian grape growers as they navigate these turbulent times in the industry.
