The Winemakers Federation of Australia and Australian Vignerons have officially amalgamated to form Australian Grape & Wine (AGW) Incorporated.
Both organisations voted unanimously to join late last year and AGW will now be a single united peak industry organisation, representing Australia’s winegrape and wine producers.
Inaugural Chairman, Sandy Clark said: “This is a very positive move for the sector. For the first time Australia’s grape and wine producers have a single body to represent their interests at the national level. This will strengthen our advocacy and enable us to provide a stronger service to the sector.
“These are challenging times for our industry. On the supply side, we have production challenges arising from ever changing weather patterns and biosecurity threats.
“We also face a marketplace of uncertain, international, trading relationships and terms, and at home an anti-alcohol lobby which is both strong and well-funded. There has never been a more compelling case for an effective, united, single national wine sector body.”
Tony Battaglene, the new Chief Executive of Australian Grape & Wine added: “I am delighted to serve a united sector and look forward to representing its interests on national and international issues. We will continue to listen to our members and drive a positive and forward-looking agenda, aimed at improving profitability for the whole sector.
“Australian Grape & Wine demonstrates the industry’s ability to adapt to a dynamic and changing environment and will continue to deliver on its strategic priorities, including in the areas of biosecurity, health, market access and the environment.”
The first Board meeting of Australian Grape & Wine is scheduled for 5 March 2019, followed by a strategy day to develop the forward work program for the association.