Agriculture Victoria Research (DEECA)

Agriculture Victoria Research, part of the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), is a leading provider of applied viticulture, biosecurity and plant health research for Australia's grape and wine sector. Through partnerships with Wine Australia, industry and other research organisations, Agriculture Victoria Research develops practical solutions that help grapegrowers manage pests, diseases and biosecurity risks while improving vineyard productivity and resilience.

Agriculture Victoria Research has particular expertise in vineyard biosecurity, phylloxera management, grapevine health and diagnostic technologies. Current Wine Australia-funded projects focus on developing new tools, technologies and management practices for integrated phylloxera management, along with best-practice approaches for sampling and diagnosing grapevine virus infections in propagation material and source vine plantings. These projects support the supply of high-health planting material, strengthen vineyard biosecurity and help protect the long-term productivity of Australian vineyards.

The organisation also plays a critical role in surveillance, diagnostics and industry preparedness. Research has improved understanding of phylloxera biology and spread, supported the development of national biosecurity resources and contributed to industry strategies for managing pests, diseases and emerging threats. Agriculture Victoria Research works closely with partners including the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), Wine Australia, DPIRD, vine improvement associations and nurseries to ensure research outcomes can be adopted across the grapevine propagation and production supply chain.

Through its combination of scientific research, diagnostics capability and biosecurity leadership, Agriculture Victoria Research helps safeguard Australia's vineyard assets and supports a more resilient, productive and sustainable grape and wine sector. Its work provides grapegrowers and winemakers with the knowledge, tools and management practices needed to respond to current and emerging vineyard health challenges.