Vineyard identification system

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has been working with the NSW Wine Industry Association (WIA) and with Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) to establish a system for recording the location of vineyards throughout the state.

Why do we need a vineyard identification system?

The vineyard identification scheme is part of the industry’s vine health management strategy. Knowing the location and approximate size of every vineyard will help the industry and government better prepare for and respond to an incursion of a serious pest or disease of grapevines such as phylloxera or Pierce’s disease.

How will it work?

The vineyard identification scheme utilises existing systems that are used for identification and tracing of livestock, based on property identification codes (PICs) and RLPB annual returns of land and stock.

PICs provide a unique number for every registered property together with details of the land (which can then be mapped) and contact details for the owner or occupier. Annual returns provide a means of collecting and collating data about how that land is used for agriculture.

The advantages of this approach:

  • The systems already exist - no need to create new administrative structures and databases or design and mail out new survey forms at additional expense.
  • Uses a nationally recognised property numbering system.
  • Many vineyards are on land that is rateable by the RLPB and already have a PIC and the occupier is already required to complete an annual return.
  • Storage and use of the data is controlled under legislation which allows it to be used for legitimate purposes while protecting the privacy of individuals.

What should I do?

If you currently pay rates or a stock identification fee to the RLPB:

  • You would already be receiving an annual return of land and stock. The 2008 annual return includes an additional question: ‘Total area of land planted to grapevines as at 30 June (Ha)’. Simply complete this question with the rest of the form and return it to the RLPB by 31 July 2008.

 

If you don’t pay any RLPB rates or fees (because your property is smaller than the minimum rateable size or doesn’t have a PIC):

  • You should apply to the RLPB for a PIC. Normally a fee is payable, but for a limited time PICs are available free of charge (though renewal fees may be payable in future).
  • Once your property has been assigned a PIC, you will receive an annual return in future to complete as above.

 

If in doubt, contact your RLPB or DPI’s Helpline (see below).

Do I have to participate?

The WIA and  NSW DPI strongly encourage you to participate in the interests of helping your industry better prepare for and cope with a serious pest or disease outbreak if one were to occur in your region.

Obtaining a PIC is voluntary, but, once you receive an RLPB annual return, legislation requires that the form be completed accurately and on time.

The only information that is being collected is your vineyard location and total area, and your name and contact details. The information will only be made available to and used by NSW DPI and WIA to assist in preparing for, preventing, managing, controlling or eradicating diseases, pests or residues in grapevines, grapes or grape products or on land.

No data about varieties, yields, prices or other information that could be considered commercially sensitive is being collected.

Further information

About the wine industry’s vine health improvement scheme:

  • Contact:

Shayne Hackett, Extension Viticulturist
NSW DPI, National Wine & Grape Industry Centre
Locked Bag 588
Wagga Wagga  NSW  2678
Phone: 02 6933 2723
Fax: 02 6933 2107,
Email: shayne.hackett@dpi.nsw.gov.au

About PICs:

About annual returns:

  • Contact your RLPB.

 

This information was provided by the National Wine & Grape Industry Centre.