Wines of Western Australia and Wine Australia partner to support sustainability certification23 Aug 2024

• Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) and Wine Australia co-fund sustainability project
• Dedicated local resource for WA producers to adopt Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and support regional ESG programs
• Project manager appointed to implement the 12-month program across all WA wine regions

Through a co-funding partnership with Wine Australia, WoWA has appointed Eloise Jarvis as program manager for the Sustainability adoption, certification and promotion for Western Australian wine growers and producers project.

The project aims to increase the adoption of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification and membership through the provision of localised technical expertise and guidance. The project will also support broader Wine Australia sustainability programs in the region aligning with environmental, social and governance (ESG) production and business needs.

Wines of Western Australia Chief Executive Officer, Larry Jorgensen noted, "a goal of the Western Australian Wine Industry Strategic Plan 2024-34 is for Western Australia to be recognised by consumers as one of the top ten regions internationally for sustainable wine production. This project will develop a practical toolkit/pathway to support Western Australian wine producers in achieving sustainability recognition domestically and internationally. The primary focus will be on supporting Western Australian wine producers to achieve Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification."

Eloise Jarvis is well known in the WA wine industry with more than 25 years' experience as a winemaker, educator, and consultant. She is a graduate of the Wine Australia Future Leaders program and is currently delivering the Wine Australia Next Crop program in Margaret River. Previously, as Sustainability Engagement Officer for Margaret River Wine Association, she implemented the region's Sustainability Action Plan, significantly boosting the adoption and certification of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia by producers. With a strong commitment to advancing sustainability through collaborative projects and education, Eloise's extensive expertise and leadership will further enhance and drive sustainable practices within the industry.

Eloise said, "It's a privilege to be selected to deliver this project. I'm really excited by the opportunity to collaborate with each wine region's grapegrowers and wine producers and our stakeholders to increase awareness, engagement and adoption of environmental, social and governance practices that will help create a prosperous and resilient wine community."

Wine Australia General Manager Research and Innovation Dr Paul Smith noted that, "Certification of sustainable growing and production practices are increasingly important to maintain access in many international markets. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices makes good business sense. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia assists the sector to track business efficiencies, identify opportunities for improvement and increase market access. We are pleased to be supporting WoWA on this important project."

A key element of the project is to overcome barriers to the adoption of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia within Western Australia's wine regions. The voluntary national sustainability program provides a framework for producers meet sustainability standards, improve their practices and demonstrate this to protect businesses from changing market requirements. The project will begin immediately and continue until 30 June 2025.

Producers who are interested in accessing the project should contact Eloise directly via email on [email protected]