Hugh Schuitemaker and Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer

The region’s peak wine industry representative group has issued an urgent open letter to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, warning that the state’s largest producing area — the “backbone for thousands of family” livelihoods — is in the grip of a severe economic and social crisis.

The letter, released on Monday, describes a situation that has escalated beyond an industry downturn into a full-blown community emergency.

Grape purchase prices remain at historic lows, with early indicators for the 2026 vintage, showing shiraz prices far below the cost of production – as low as $80 to $120 per tonne – which exceeds $350 per tonne.

White grape prices have also plummeted, compounding financial distress for growers.

The letter has been signed by Riverland Winegrape Growers Association chair Amanda Dimas and Riverland Wine Industry Development Council chair Jim Markeas, stating “when farmers stop believing they have a future, whole towns suffer. Schools, local businesses, sporting clubs, and service organisations all feel the shockwaves.”

Riverland Wine is calling for immediate government intervention, including:

• A government-led crisis meeting with industry, banks, peak bodies and representatives of growers and wineries, within the region by the end of January.
• An immediate and structured support package for those who want to adapt and continue to farm.
• Transitional support for those exiting the industry to address vineyard abandonment, biosecurity threats, and long-term land devaluation.

“Premier, time is not on our side. The emotional and financial damage is compounding with every passing day,” the letter read.

Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the Premier and government must now work with the industry to acknowledge and then provide support for the growers and the winemakers facing a “catastrophic situation”.

“So far all we’ve seen is a ‘blueprint’ that failed to support the sector and a spray program that’s eight weeks too late,” he said.

“The Premier must visit the Riverland to see firsthand the dilemma we’re dealing with here.”

The letter was sent to the Premier on November 14. Riverland Wine has received acknowledgment from the Premier’s office that it has been received, but no official response yet.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 26 November 2025.
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