PASIN WELCOMES MANDATORY CODE FOR WINE GRAPE PURCHASES BUT SAYS ACTION COMES TOO LATE FOR MANY RIVERLAND GROWERS

PASIN WELCOMES MANDATORY CODE FOR WINE GRAPE PURCHASES BUT SAYS ACTION COMES TOO LATE FOR MANY RIVERLAND GROWERS

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that a mandatory code of conduct for wine grape purchases will be introduced, describing it as a necessary step - but one that has arrived far too late for many growers already in crisis.

Mr Pasin said wine grape growers, particularly in the Riverland, have been calling for a mandatory code for many years to address long-standing power imbalances between growers and processors.

“A mandatory code of conduct is something growers have been calling for over a long period of time,” Mr Pasin said.
“It is welcome that the Government has finally accepted this reform is needed, but for many Riverland families, this announcement may come too late.”

Mr Pasin said while earlier indicative pricing and stronger trading protections are important, a mandatory code alone will not resolve the structural oversupply crisis gripping the industry.

“For years I have been calling for a comprehensive response - not just regulation, but real assistance to help growers transition where grape production is no longer viable,” he said.

“This means support that helps rebalance supply and stabilise the sector. Measures required immediately include financial support to assist with vine removal, re-planting and diversification into alternative crops or land uses, so families have a genuine pathway forward.”

“Growers need that support now,” Mr Pasin said.

“That requires the Government to act now, not in two years’ time.”