The development of a mandatory Winegrape Purchases Code of Conduct is officially underway, following Dr Craig Emerson’s analysis of the Australian wine industry, released by Wine Australia last July. The code will commence on 1 January 2027.
The federal government is aiming to strengthen fairness and transparency across the winegrape supply chain by introducing a mandatory code, recommended in Emerson’s review last year to deliver more consistent trading arrangements between winegrape growers and winemakers.
A new advisory group, which met for the first time on 10 March, has been formed to develop the code, following detailed design and consultation in close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Advisory members include:
- Murray Valley Wine Growers CEO, Paul Derrico
- Riverina Winegrape Growers CEO, Jeremy Cass
- Riverland Winegrape Growers Association chair, Amanda Dimas
- Food and Beverage Australia Limited CEO, Ashley Keegan
- Treasury Wine Estates director of wine and grape sourcing, Anthony Catanzariti
- Vinarchy CTO, Brett McKinnon
- The Wine Group general manager, Brigid Nolan
- Ellis Castle Consulting industry consultant, Wayne Ellis
The group will be chaired by DAFF and brings together representatives from across the wine and grape sector, including growers, winemakers and independent experts with experience in the voluntary code.
It aims to provide practical, evidence-based input into key elements of the mandatory code, including contract transparency, payment terms, dispute resolution and implementation arrangements.
Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said Australia has a world-class wine and grape sector and is an important contributor to regional economies and agricultural exports.
“The government is committed to improving fairness, transparency and confidence in the winegrape supply chain,” said Collins.
“Establishing the Advisory Group is a practical step, ensuring that the code is designed with industry, not imposed on industry. I am confident that the experience and expertise of the advisory board members working collaboratively with the department will shape a balanced, workable and evidence-based code.”
