THE Winemakers Federation of Australia has welcomed a $241,000 grant to aid the Australian Wine Environmental Stewardship Program.
AWES is the industry’s voluntary environmental stewardship scheme, and is the next step in the industry’s stewardship program. AWES was formerly known as EnviroWine.
WFA chief executive Stephen Strachan said consumers and retailers were demanding growers across all industries improve environmental performance.
"It is more important than ever that the wine industry is able to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices," Mr Strachan said.
WFA director natural resources Amy Russell said the new system would "cut down duplication and reporting burdens on producers already using an environmental certification scheme."
The current program will continue while the industry finalises the development of the new program.
The funding is provided under the Federal Government's 'Caring for our Country' program.
More information on the Winemakers' Federation of Australia's environmental activities can be found at www.wfa.org.au
