At the Vinehealth Australia Board meeting in the Barossa in June, a group of growers, viticulturists and consultants shared their insights on key industry issues and biosecurity threats.

With topics ranging from virus management, to vine replanting and rootstock use, the session provided a grassroots perspective for the Board.

The group included:

  • Allen Jenkins, former Regional Vineyard Manager at Wynns Coonawarra Estate
  • Rebekah Richardson: Senior Consultant and Principal at Wine Ingenuity and Chair of the Research Advisory Committee for Australia Grape and Wine.
  • Tim McCarthy: Viticulture Operations Manager at Pernod Ricard Winemakers.
  • Chris Rogers: Viticultural consultant and Chair of Barossa Vine Improvement.
  • Steve Schiller: Barossa grapegrower, Director of Tractor Tread Vineyards in the Barossa and Chair of the Barossa Viticulture Technical Group.
  • Will Holmes: Owner of Woodbridge Farm, a grapegrowing and contracting business and Chair of the Grape Barossa Committee.

“We really appreciate the time these industry members spent with our Board, sharing their experiences and views,” said Inca Lee, Vinehealth Australia CEO.

“We know it’s a tough financial climate and we’re working hard to deliver maximum biosecurity benefit to growers and winemakers. Sessions such as this help to ensure our strategic focus areas and timing of activities match industry needs.”

Allen Jenkins, Rebekah Richardson, Tim McCarthy, Chris Rogers, Steve Schiller and Will Holmes.