Grape growers told to renegotiate prices

Grape growers are being urged not to take low prices previously offered, now harvest figures have been reduced.

 

The heat wave has meant South Australia has reduced its crop by 20 per cent.

 

In Victoria's Murray Valley, there are reports of 20 per cent of losses for grape tonnages.

 

Industry body, Wine Grape Growers of Australia, wants growers to double-check with major wine companies, before committing to lower prices offered on the market.

 

For example, prior to the heatwave, spot market prices were at $150 per tonne for fruit grown inland, which equates to half the cost of production.

 

Furthermore, those grape growers who hadn't organised a market for their harvest, should now get in touch with wineries, says the WGGA, as now there could be higher demand for the grapes.