There is no question that Australia’s wine industry is going through a rough period, given the ongoing ‘wine glut’.

Now more than ever the industry needs strong science and practical information to guide long-term sustainability and profitability.

The NSW Government continues to invest in applied science efforts.

In fact, last month I presented the National Wine and Grape Industries Centre in Wagga with $550,000 to support the expansion of its experimental winery.

This funding will help foster new breakthroughs in applied research through a co-operative agreement between the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and Charles Sturt University (CSU).

The grant will be put towards Stage Three construction at the Centre’s experimental winery, with DPI researchers and Charles Sturt University staff and students using the facility to help improve small lot wine making capacity.

In particular it will complement viticulture trials around the State, designed to improve both product quality and the impact of management techniques on grape and wine composition.

This winery will also be a key component of work carried out through the Winegrowing Futures program.

Winegrowing Futures is a research partnership announced in December 2005 between NSW DPI and CSU through the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) in Wagga Wagga.

It will see additional research in vine health, seasonal impacts on yield and quality, vineyard sustainability, and enhanced ways to match wines to consumer expectations.

Winegrowing Futures was the result of a decision by the Grape and Wine Research and Develop-ment Corporation (GWRDC) late last year to invest $15 million through the NWGIC to support the wine and grape industries over the next five years.

That funding was the direct result of strong lobbying by the NSW Labor Government and the State’s wine industry to see a greater share of national research dollars directed to NSW.

Insights gained from these initiatives will also no doubt help wine and grape growers around the State better manage their businesses and boost their standing on the international stage.

Citrus back into America

Earlier last month, I announced a major step forward for NSW citrus growers who have regained access to the valuable United States market.

The Australian Quarantine Inspection Service recently advised the NSW Department of Primary Industries that citrus from the State’s fruit fly zone can now be exported to the US without treatment before leaving the zone.

This development follows an announcement by the State Government in March that the entire NSW fruit fly zone had been given area free status for the first time in six years, following an extensive surveillance campaign.

The US has now confirmed it is satisfied with the area freedom status and, as a result, has relinquished trade restrictions.

I want to congratulate DPI staff and citrus growers on their efforts and their vigilance in achieving this significant milestone.