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Publication Date

7-2001

Series Number

4516

Abstract

The tastebuds, health concerns and environmental conscience of affluent consumers are demanding more organically grown food than producers worldwide can supply. Growing consumer concerns about the effects of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilisers on human health and the environment have boosted world trade in organic products by a rate of about 20-30 per cent a year for the past 10 years. World trade was estimated to be worth $US 21.6 billion in 2000 and is expected to reach US$100 billion by the year 2006.

The Australian market for organic products alone is valued at $200-$250 million - with exports estimated at $30-50 million - and is growing at around 20 per cent annually. Organically grown grapes, dried fruit, organic wine and even vinegar made from organic grapes are part of the growing markets in Australia and overseas.

Australian organic wine is well placed to take advantage of the high regard overseas markets place on conventional Australian wines. Australian organic wine producers can also ride on the back of the local horticulture industry, which has a good reputation overseas as a ‘clean, green’ supplier. But it is important to note that, like the conventional wine market, a premium is paid only for top quality wine. The organic label alone is not enough.

Number of Pages

40

ISSN

1326-415X

Keywords

Winemaking, Wine industry, Vineyards, Nutrients, Organic winemaking, Viticulture, Australia

Disciplines

Soil Science | Viticulture and Oenology

Organic grapes and wine : a guide to production

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