Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer

The Riverland’s state MP is among political figures calling for the State Government to support local wine grape growers who have experienced severe crop damage from frost.

Numerous Riverland vineyards sustained extensive damage due to frost conditions seen last week across the region.

Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the economic impact would add further pressure to growers already struggling through industry challenges.

“I’ve experienced it personally as a grower, and I genuinely understand the hardship it creates,” Mr Whetstone said.

“While the initial frost was very visual, we’re still looking to see what the longer-term damage will be.

“A light crop is not going to pay the bills, and it won’t provide any level of certainty in the conversation. Prior to the frost there were a number of farm businesses assessing their future, and this frost could be something that pushes people over the edge.”

Mr Whetstone last week wrote to Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven seeking a “full evaluation” of damage from the frost, and to consider an “emergency disaster support measure”.

Mr Whetstone said it was important Riverlanders supported fellow locals who had been impacted by the frost.

“We have to come together as a community,” he said.

“We’ve got to make sure our neighbours, friends and family are ok.

“Mentally it’s another challenge in the (story) of farming, and in the Riverland we’ve absolutely gone through the wringer.

“We’ve had everything the Heavens can dish up… and it’s really weighing on my mind because of how much pressure it’s putting every primary producer under.”

Ms Scriven said “the State Government is working with a range of industry groups to gather intelligence and assess damage”.

“South Australia has experienced an unusually erratic spring with a range of harsh weather events including low rainfall, high winds, warm spells and now frosts,” she said.

“In the first half of September 2024 two severe frost events occurred across SA, each with consecutive days with minimum temperatures below zero. Nearly every region of the state has been affected in some way by the frost with the extent and intensity of impacts variable in each area and across sectors. However, the exact of impacts are not yet known as the full extent of damage won’t show for some weeks.

“I have spoken with growers across the state and visited the Riverland viewing the frost affected grapes.”

Barker MP Tony Pasin said increased support was needed to ensure primary producers could sustain through ongoing weather challenges.

“Recent significant frost events join a long list of challenges that our primary producers have faced in the last few years,” Mr Pasin said.

“I particularly feel for those who are being hit across multiple fronts – low rain fall, low commodity prices and now frost damage.

“While our primary producers should rightly be proud that they grow some of the highest quality food and fibre in the world, it would be nice for them to know that the Australian Government has their back when needed.

“It’s about time we had a national conversation about what we want the future of Australia’s agricultural industry to look like.”

Riverland-based MLC, and opposition spokesperson for regional South Australia, Nicola Centofanti said “crops that were viable and worth something, particularly the white varieties, are now at risk”.

“Speaking to growers, many are saying it is the worst frost they have seen in their lifetime,” Dr Centofanti said.

“Wineries and growers are doing individual assessments of crops and industry are trying to ascertain via satellite imagery the full extent of the damage, but early signs are that it is not looking good.

“I have called on the (State) Government, the Premier and Clare Scriven to visit the region, assess the damage for themselves and speak to growers to understand the extent of the damage and the assistance they require as we all know, the wine industry has already been doing it tough.

“It’s time for Peter Malinauskas to be a leader and ensure he is supporting an industry that has supported this state’s economy for decades.”

Impacted growers are encouraged to contact PIRSA FaB Mentors regarding how to access this support. For more information visit the website (pir.sa.gov.au/). 

This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 25 September 2024.
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