From the Executive
During December & January the LCGWC tech committee along with the Committee of Management (with help from GWRDC) asked stakeholders to review, revise & prioritise R&D priorities.
The rankings from the on-line survey (now closed), in order were; Grape & Wine quality Parameters, Vine Decline & Health, Sustainable Water use, Wine,Food & Tourism culture, Biosecurity, Environmental Sustainabilty, Develop & Promote Regional Leadership inituatives, Promotion, Communication of the role of the LCGWC and engagement of the wine community, Economic & Social Impact of the wine sector in the LSC, Enhanced Collaborative Networks, Increased R&D funding [ie >industry contributions to R&D levies & programme activities.
That is 11 priorities that provide a broader view than just R&D for the LCGWC.
MOST RECENT REPORT FROM CHAIR..
2012 is an exciting and challenging year for the LC wine community. We have just harvested grapes from an exceptional vintage and the new wines reflect that quality. See our vintage report.
The LCGWC is peak body representing the regions and vineyards of the Limestone Coast. Namely Coonawarra, Padthaway, Wrattonbully, Mt Benson, Robe, Mt Gambier and Other vineyards within the Zone.
We have active sub-committees involved in Limestone Coast Water Allocation Planning, Technical research & Phylloxera exclusion, and the Limestone Coast Wine Show.
The Water sub-committee has been active for the last 6 years with the upper & lower Limestone coast Water Allocation plans & agreements.
The Technical sub-committee meet regularly and plan activities such as seminars & workshops, vine health and environment monitoring programmes, and undertakes and commissions major research projects. Presently it is working with the GWRDC to channel funds into important research and extension projects.
The Tech sub-committee, with funding from the GWRDC completed a major project last year with the ‘Unearthing Viticulture in the Limestone Coast’ – a web-based document. It has proven to be an excellent reference work utilised by all sectors of our wine community. In the next few years we will follow on from this with a series of events that will document some of the oral history. Again this website will be portal for sharing this valuable resource and stay tuned for the next installment in this project called “Culture & Practices.”
The Wine Show sub-committee run a regional wine show in late October every year. It is a self contained event relying on Sponsors and exhibitors to make it possible. The LCGWC support their activities.
The council is abreast of federal and state issues in concerns to grower, winemaker and legislative issues. It will form sub-committees as required to address issues as and when they become relevant to our members. Click here for a list of related &/or affiliate organisations we liaise with.
Please spend some time exploring what this web resource offers and may see you in our part of the world sometime.
NOTE – The Limestone Coast Grape & Wine Council was formally known as the Limestone Coast Wine Industry Council.