Wine Industry Report

The Chairman of the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC), Dennis Mutton, has been reappointed for a second three-year term, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley, announced today.

Ms Ley said that, as a former CEO of a number of South Australian Government departments, including Primary Industries and Resources, Mr Mutton has the right mix of experience and expertise to continue getting the job done.

“In his first three-years, Mr Mutton focussed on strengthening the partnerships between industry and its research providers,” she said.

“And he worked closely with a range of wine and grape organisations to develop an industry-specific leadership program.”

Ms Ley said the GWRDC is preparing its new Five-Year R&D Plan, which will guide major research and development decisions during the years 2007 to 2012.

“With that in mind, Mr Mutton’s re-appointment will help provide the GWRDC with the stability and continuity it needs to get that new plan up-and-running,” she said.

“And that is especially important given the significant challenges the industry is facing, such as maintaining profitability in a highly competitive world market.

“As well as investing in research in the more traditional areas of grape and wine production, the GWRDC will need to ensure it can help growers and winemakers better anticipate market changes and gain a deeper insight into changing consumer preferences.

“I congratulate Mr Mutton on his reappointment and wish him well in the coming three years.”