This project will address identified barriers to adoption to drive uptake of AgTech in the region. McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association (MVGWTA) has shown leadership through the development of the former Sustainable Australia Wine growing (SAW) program, which ran successfully from 2013 – 2019. Proudly,this program has now evolved to become Sustainable Wine growing Australia – Australia’s national program for grape growers to continuously improve sustainability in the vineyard.This program builds on the strengths of the McLaren Vale Sustainability program and, MVGWTA along with McLaren Vale growers and stakeholders contributed significantly to its development. This historic and extensive involvement by McLaren Vale growers in the early adoption of innovative programs along with a regional ethos of ‘shared success’ has driven project design. MVGWTA works closely with grower members through regular engagement activities including, field days, workshops and working groups.

 

The MVGWTA board has identified digital innovation across AgTech as a core operational priority. To ensure this priority is met,the MVGWTA board supports the necessary resourcing requirements to deliver ongoing AgTech adoption projects.More specifically, to support producers in their AgTech journey, this project will;• Identify and address barriers to adoption• Identify vineyard management decisions that can be improved through the adoption of AgTech solutions.• Provide growers with information on the cost of AgTech solutions and value proposition for adoption.• Provide wine grape growers with the opportunity to see and assess a range of AgTech solutions under circumstances familiar to them (eg. soil type, rainfall), to identify products that will improve productivity, profitability, and vineyard sustainability.