South Aussie wine grape growers to be granted financial relief

The money, to be distributed by Rural Business Support, can be spent on routine costs, to help allay some of the pressures on the industry.

Riverland Wine executive officer Lyndall Rowe said it was great the urgent calls from grape growers for financial support measures to safeguard the local industry were being heard.

She said the partnership with RBS was a good step towards helping the mental health and well-being of small and family business owners, along with their employees.

Ms Rowe said the recent gathering of more than 175 Riverland grape growers, alongside industry and government representatives, underscored the critical nature of the challenges facing the sector.

During the forum, growers voiced their concerns about low prices, over supply, poor profitability and the uncertainty surrounding future viability.

"These sentiments highlight an urgent need for immediate support," Ms Rowe said.

"Suggestions raised at the meeting, including financial relief measures such as bill relief, loan repayment assistance, and support packages for those considering exiting the industry, must be swiftly addressed.

"Additionally, proposals such as pausing vineyards and transitioning varietals have been put forth to mitigate the current challenges."

Ms Rowe said urgent action was necessary, not just to the immediate industry but the broader region.

"Beyond providing livelihoods for growers, it sustains jobs across various sectors, including grape pickers, winemakers, hospitality venues, and transportation providers," she said.

"Thus, supporting the viability of grape growers is pivotal for the prosperity of the entire local ecosystem."

As well as the immediate $1500 fund, a further $60,000 is also being provided to RBS to increase Rural Financial Counselling Services for the wine and viticulture industry.

This support complements other measures developed to assist local industry with ongoing challenges, including a $1.85m package to re-engage with China following the recent lifting of tariffs from the state government, which also previously provided $300,000 to develop and implement the Riverland Wine Blueprint.

Primary industries minister Clare Scriven said the government had been listening to concerns raised by wine grape growers in the Riverland and across the state.

"This additional funding to assist grape growers help cover routine costs through this challenging season continues our strong commitment to SA's growers and local industries that underpin regional communities," she said.

"The support work through RBS will provide assistance to the wine industry, which has been heavily impacted by disrupted market conditions and global over-supply."

Through the collaboration between RDAMR, Mental Health Partners and Riverland Wine, wine grape growers can also access the Individualised Care for Mental Health and Well-being Program funded by the Office for Small and Family Business in SA.