PROJECTS
The Australian dried grape industry strives for innovation, ensuring its processes are efficient, sustainable and fair.
Dried Grape Production Innovation and Adoption Program 2021-2026 (DG21000)
Funded by Hort Innovation using the dried grape industry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government
Productivity and profitability remain key to the long-term sustainability of the Australian dried grape industry. Delivery of key information and developments on innovative new research and development, particularly around production methodologies, education on specific viticultural requirements, and climate predictions, will be pivotal in ensuring adoption and uptake across the sector and will assist new entrants with larger scale developments. This project will facilitate information provision on production efficiencies and improvements to maintain and build industry sustainability and capacity.
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Dried Grape Industry Communications Program (DG22000)
Funded by Hort Innovation using the dried grape industry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government
This project continues to maintain and improve communication with dried grape growers and other industry stakeholders. By keeping the industry up-to-date on research and development, news, events and other critical information, its goal is to facilitate the uptake of R&D by industry and support decision making in dried fruit businesses.
Dried grape production systems (DG24001)
Funded by Hort Innovation using the dried grape industry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government
The dried grape production systems project is designed to enhance the productivity and profitability of dried vine fruit (DVF) enterprises along the Murray Valley by identifying and promoting trellis systems that are better suited to advanced, climate-ready grape varieties.
Recognising that the industry’s traditional swing arm trellis, developed for the now less-dominant Sultana variety, may not be optimal for newer, highly fruitful varieties, the project will rigorously compare a range of cordon-based trellis systems. Through a long-term, collaborative trial established at SuniTAFE’s Smart Farm near Mildura, the project will collect detailed data on labour, inputs, yield, and fruit quality for different variety-trellis combinations. This evidence will feed into the industry’s GrapeInvest financial modelling framework, providing clear cost-benefit analysis to guide growers and investors in transitioning to more efficient production systems.
The project also serves as a demonstration and training platform for both current producers and new entrants, with regular field walks, industry communications, and integration into vocational training. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver robust recommendations and updated best-practice guidelines, supporting the industry’s adaptation to climate change and evolving market demands, while ensuring that the knowledge generated is widely disseminated and adopted.
Generating agtech capacity to increase high yielding dried grape production – 10 Tonne Project (complete)
Funded by the Australian Government under the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program
Through the set up and monitoring of four proof-of-concept sites over four years, this project will add to capacity in the dried grape industry to invest in and utilise innovative agtech systems, leading to production increases and economic growth. Focussing on irrigation, pest and disease monitoring and nutritional requirements, the objective is to consistently achieve 10 tonnes per hectare across a range of vineyard sizes and production years.
Seasonal Workforce Industry Support Program (complete)
Funded by the Victorian Government
This project focuses on two distinct areas regarding dried grape winter pruning and seasonal workforce requirements. Firstly, it will provide information for seasonal workers on labour needs required for the pruning of dried grape vines through a promotional video and brochure.
Mechanisation of winter pruning is developing rapidly, and through this project information will be provided to industry stakeholders on the mechanisation process so growers may be less reliant on a seasonal workforce into the future.
Traceability Project (complete)
Funded by the Australian Government
Developing real-time traceability in the dried fruits supply chain is critical in satisfying export market Maximum Residue Level (MRL) compliance. By transitioning producers to an online spray diary system, supported by training, the industry will have further ability to readily adapt and comply with MRL changes in export markets.
