Grape grower wants EC money diverted to industry development

One Riverland grape grower has questioned by EC aid is continuing in the region, when the money could be spent on developing the wine industry (Natalie Oliveri)

A wine grape grower in South Australia's Riverland has criticised the continuation of Exceptional Circumstances payments in the region.

More than $100 million a year will have entered the Riverland in payments and interest rate subsidies by the end of March next year.

Loxton grower Len Miegel says EC money could have been better spent on developing export markets and industry.

"I don't think it benefits the industry at all, speaking from a grape growers' point of view. We're not allowing the industry to rationalise, and we seem to be limping along," he said.

"I can probably add to that by the fact that we've probably seen $120 million come into the district perhaps. It's all gone to the banks."