Agriculture Minister Paul Caica and SA Wine Industry Council co-chair Louisa Rose have released a five year strategy, Wine: A Partnership 2010-2015.

Mr Caica says the plan is robust.

“The commitment by industry and government to work together will ensure the long-term success of one of SA’s most iconic and culturally rich industries,” he said.

“The plan identifies the key areas on which the SA wine industry will focus to strengthen its market position internationally, build on its competitive advantages and better understand consumer preferences and trends.”

SA’s wine industry is second only to mining as a key contributor to the State’s economy, generating more than $2.15 billion to the state in 2008-09, including close to $1.6b in overseas exports.

“Our wine producers are facing significant challenges, including drought and reduced water allocations, an oversupply of grapes, volatile market conditions resulting from the global economic crisis and change in consumer trends around the world,” Mr Caica said.

“This new plan takes these challenges into account and identifies a number of objectives to safeguard the future of SA’s wine industry.

“Sustained collaboration in a partnership such as this is vital if we are to overcome these issues.”

The Wine Industry Council’s Louisa Rose says the strategy will be important in strengthening the future of SA’s wine production.

“The continued support of and dialogue with the State Government is very important to the industry,” she said.

“The Partnership plan maps out clear objectives, strategies and timelines which will be actively addressed by Partnering Groups being formed by the Industry Council.”

* Details: www.pir.sa.gov.au