URGENT UPDATE: The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has just announced a vital **$40 rebate** for South Australian grape growers to support the trial of **Ethephon** in resting red wine vineyards. This initiative, advocated by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, aims to alleviate the financial strain caused by an **oversupply** of wine grapes that is impacting prices across the supply chain.
Growers can apply for the rebate, covering **up to 1,000 hectares** per Australian Business Number (ABN), for Ethephon purchased between **July 1, 2025** and **January 31, 2026**. This program is crucial as it is estimated that growers not planning to sell their fruit could save **up to $2,000 per hectare** in input, water, and management costs by resting their vineyards.
South Australian Primary Industries Minister **Clare Scriven** addressed the ongoing challenges faced by grape growers in an urgent statement. “SARDI research has shown that resting vines prevents waste of unharvested fruit in vineyards and mitigates risks with associated pest and disease pressures,” she said. Minister Scriven strongly encourages growers to take advantage of this rebate to reduce operational costs amid the current market crisis.
**Lisa Bennier**, CEO of the Wine Grape Council of South Australia, echoed the importance of this support, stating, “With the rebate now available, we hope uncontracted growers will consider resting their vineyards to reduce costs. We appreciate the Government’s continued backing during these tough market conditions.”
The rebate is particularly relevant for growers who lack viable pricing or contracts for their **2026 crop**, allowing them to minimize management expenses, reduce fertilizer and spray applications, and conserve vital irrigation water. This strategic move not only helps in managing current vineyard pressures but also provides growers critical time to assess the future viability of their operations.
Research conducted by the **South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)**, in collaboration with **Wine Australia**, highlights that Ethephon has proven effective in reducing yields while maintaining healthy vine foliage. This technique ensures that vines can store energy efficiently, setting them up for a robust following season. Notably, vines treated with Ethephon returned to commercial yields without any residual effects in subsequent harvests.
For more information on how to apply for the vineyard resting trial and access the rebate, growers can visit the official site: South Australia Vineyard Resting Rebate.
As the situation develops, grape growers are urged to act swiftly to secure this support and navigate the challenges posed by the current oversupply in the wine industry.
