AN EXPERT team is being assembled to advise the State Government on how to grow Victoria's wine industry and boost profitability.
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The Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Committee will bring together industry knowledge and advise the government on research, development and extension, bio-security, regional investment, skills and workforce, infrastructure, regulation and trade matters.
In line with the Labor Government's commitment at least 50 per cent of members of the committee will be women, and the government has sought individuals with expertise in relevant areas such as wine making, grape growing, wine trading, research science, extension, local government, marketing, packaging, logistics and tourism.
Mount Langi Ghiran Vineyards general manager Damien Sheehan, who is also chair of Wine Victoria and the Victorian Viticulture Bio-security Committee said it was a positive move by the government to establish the committee.
“This shows the government is taking the industry quite seriously and that in itself is quite important, because it gives the industry confidence,” he said.
“It also gives us a direct line of communication in terms of advocating our issues to government.”
The region’s vineyards are emerging from the quietest time of the year.
Mr Sheehan said pruning is complete and Mount Langi Ghiran was preparing for the growing season in a fortnight.
“We have been undertaking maintenance activities to ensure all of our systems are in working order ahead of the growing season,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said Victoria's $1.5 billion wine industry employs more than 11,500 people, including 2,600 people directly employed in grape growing and wine-making.
"The wine industry provides growth to local communities and the tourism industry - that's why we're supporting it to boost jobs, tourism and exports.
"The Ministerial Advisory Council will ensure we're getting the right advice, from the right people, to capitalise on the opportunities and tackle the challenges facing our wine industry."