History

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) presence in the Griffith area began in July 1916 with the establishment of the Mirrool Viticultural Nursery. The site was chosen by Mr JC Rounce, who came from Mildura as Nurseryman-in-Charge. Land portions 280 and 363 (Farms 217 and 685), a total of 59 acres (24 hectares), were allocated to the Department. At this time, the Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission (now the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources, DIPNR) also established its own nursery, known as the Mirrool Nursery. The two nurseries were responsible for the supply of trees and vines for most of the early settlement of the MIA. The first vines planted by the Department in 1916 were Grenache and Black Shiraz.

In July 1918, a 4.8 ha portion of the adjoining farm (Farm 218) was added to the station for extension of plantings for servicing the developing wine industry. Farms 217 and 685 were dedicated to the Department for the purpose of viticulture in June 1921, and were renamed the Griffith Viticultural Nursery.

Although the prime object of the nursery was to service the viticultural industry of New South Wales with grafted vines using phylloxera-resistant rootstocks, there were some early trials carried out in 1926 on phylloxera-resistant rootstocks and stock–scion compatibility. However, it was not until 1959 that the first research officer was appointed.
In 1961, the nursery was tile-drained and reclaimed from the high saline / water table conditions that had developed.
In 1962, the nursery was renamed the Griffith Viticultural Research Station, and the first major field trials were planted.
From 1962 to 1978 there was a period of expansion and establishment. Many of the current buildings were constructed during this time.
The pilot winery was built in 1972, and the office/laboratory complex was constructed in 1977 and opened by the local member, the Honourable ARL Gordon MLA, Minister for Conservation and Water Resources.

In 1984, the Station was renamed the Horticultural Research and Advisory Station in order to represent more fully the horticultural research and advisory roles. For the first time, two advisory horticulturists joined the research team and were based at the Station.
In 1985–87, the first advisory vegetable trials were planted, and in 1987 the first research horticulturist (vegetables) was appointed.

In 1993 the decision was made to consolidate the Department’s activities in the Griffith area to the one location. In 1994 after some renovations to existing Station buildings and the addition of a new office extension, the Department’s advisory and regulatory staff from the Griffith town office were relocated to the combined centre, which was renamed the Griffith Centre for Irrigated Agriculture (GCIA).

In 1996 the viticulture and vegetable research functions were relocated to the Wagga Wagga and Yanco Centres of Excellence respectively. The farm at the GCIA remains a field station providing support for these programs.