Winemakers to promote their green credentials

by S. C.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has launched the Australian wine industry’s new environmental accreditation scheme, EntWine Australia.

EntWine enables winemakers and winegrape growers to get independent certification for environmental practices. It was developed with assistance from the Rudd government’s Caring for Our Country program.

In Adelaide today, Mr Burke said EntWine was a great example of the Australian wine industry’s work to maintain its place among the world’s top wine producers.

“This accreditation will provide our customers around the world, from retailers and restaurants to individuals, with the environmental assurances they are increasingly demanding from our wines,” Mr Burke said.

“I commend Wine Federation Australia for coming up with this initiative”

“We’re now the world’s third largest exporter of wine, with exports to more than a hundred countries. That includes emerging markets like China where exports almost doubled in value last year.

“Australia’s wine sector makes a crucial contribution to the economy, supporting 28 000 jobs and contributing around $5.5 billion each year.

“To maintain and build on our place we need to shift the world’s understanding of Australian wine from high-volume to high-quality.

“And that includes proudly demonstrating our green credentials to markets that are increasingly demanding this assurance.

“Major UK retailers like Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s, who have been instrumental in developing our place on the world wine stage, are now seeking environmental accreditation from their suppliers.”

EntWine is open to all winemakers and grape growers in Australia. Once certified, participants can carry the EntWine logo on their products and be registered on the EntWine website.

“EntWine helps winemakers and grape growers to meet their environmental obligations head-on while improving their business opportunities,” Mr Burke said.