Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer

The crushing economic pressure of the wine industry has forced a Riverland family to dump their grapes – and prompted a Chaffey election candidate to pledge advocating for locals outside “the top end of town”.

Now facing a third year of low grape prices, Berri farmer Nontas Koutouzis made the difficult decision to dump his shiraz vintage last week – and potentially his cabernet sauvignon next.

“This farm has been in the family for 51 years, but it’s not going to make the next generation,” Mr Koutouzis told The Murray Pioneer.

“When (we) originally took over the farm, we used to turn over $115,000, now we barely make $15,000.

“Most people are trying to push through, but I guarantee most will be kicking themselves for growing a crop this year.

“This season and next are going to be make or break for farmers and the region’s (wine industry). Eventually, the entire Riverland will become a dustbowl.”

Impacted by a more than five-year global oversupply of red wine – caused by international market changes and shifting consumer behaviour – the estimated 2026 vintage for the Riverland showed shiraz prices would be staying at a critical low of $80 to $150 per tonne.

Mr Koutouzis said his production costs of around $350 per tonne made a profitable harvest “impossible”.

“When the estimated prices came out, we just came to the decision (to harvest) would be unsustainable,” he said.

“You get to a point where you have to weigh it all up and make the decision – to pick or not to pick – and we decided we just couldn’t this year.

“While this is not the first time we have dumped grapes, expenses are so much higher this time, so it hurts just so much more.”

One Nation candidate for Chaffey Jenny Troeth – who was present at the Koutouzis property last week – said her party was “committed to advocating” for struggling local farming families, before those further up the production line.

“People in these situations do not feel like they’re being heard, but I am listening,” she said.

“I am not interested in speaking to the top end of town. I want to and do speak to the people on the ground, because that is what is important.

“One Nation’s approach is to try and support our agricultural industry in the Riverland as best as we can.”

Ahead of the March 21 State Election, Mr Koutouzis said he hoped politicians would start listening to farmers who are suffering within the current crisis.

“Where are our (local politicians)?,” he asked.

“They seem to only go to businesses who are booming. We feel ignored and (the supports) that have been provided so far aren’t of any use.

“We need to get grape prices earlier… but all we get is counsellors thrown at us.

“Also, we get told to grow alternative crops. How? You need resources and financial backing to do that.”

Mrs Troeth said One Nation could only impact the rural landscape via a strong election showing.

“It all depends on how many seats we can fill in the big house on the hill,” she said.

“Only the people have the power to put us there so we can make change – and that’s what we need, change.” 

This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 18 February 2026.