NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) is a long-standing research and extension partner of Wine Australia, providing scientific expertise, field evaluation capability and industry support to Australia's grape and wine sector. Through its viticulture research programs and the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre in Wagga Wagga, NSW DPIRD works with growers, winemakers and research organisations to address emerging production challenges and improve the long-term sustainability and profitability of Australian vineyards.

A key area of collaboration with Wine Australia is the evaluation and development of disease-resistant grapevine varieties. Under project Evaluation of second-generation disease-resistant grapevines developed by CSIRO (DPI 2201), NSW DPIRD is assessing more than 500 second-generation mildew-resistant grapevine selections across warm and cool climate regions. These varieties have been bred to provide durable resistance to powdery and downy mildew while maintaining wine quality and vineyard performance. The research aims to reduce reliance on fungicides, lower vineyard input costs and improve the sector's ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

NSW DPIRD has also played a significant role in the evaluation, demonstration and adoption of first-generation disease-resistant grapevines, helping industry understand their performance under Australian growing conditions and assessing their suitability for commercial wine production. The department's research has contributed valuable knowledge on disease management, climate resilience, grapevine breeding and vineyard sustainability.

In addition to research, NSW DPIRD provides practical information and extension support through publications such as the annual Grapevine Management Guide and a broad range of industry development activities covering viticulture, biosecurity, climate adaptation, vineyard technology and pest and disease management. This helps ensure that research outcomes are translated into practical tools and knowledge that growers can apply in their businesses.

By combining scientific research, field evaluation and industry extension, NSW DPIRD helps deliver innovations that improve vineyard resilience, reduce production risks and support the future competitiveness of Australia's grape and wine sector.