Managing wine grapes
Moving wine grapes out of red outbreak or yellow suspension areas
Accreditation and/or certification is required for the movement of wine grapes during a fruit fly outbreak.
All movement options that were available for the 2022 vintage are available again during the 2023 vintage, however the details of some arrangements may have changed and some new arrangements are now available.
Growers or wineries are encouraged to contact PIRSA’s market access team on 1800 255 556 (or MarketAccessRenmark.Aaslocal@sa.gov.au) for a detailed discussion on the options that might best suit you.
Some of the changed and new arrangements include:
- Movement within and between 1.5 km outbreak Riverland areas can be managed under a single-issue Chief Inspectors Movement Certificate (CIMC) which will cover the length of vintage. This approval only requires grapes to be transported securely.
- Movement between 15 km suspension areas where you need to travel through the unaffected areas of the Riverland can be managed under a single-issue Inspectors Direct Certificate (IDC). This approval only requires grapes to be transported securely.
- Movement from a 1.5 km outbreak area into a 15 km suspension area of the Riverland can be managed via a single-issue Chief Inspectors Movement Certificate (CIMC) which will cover the length of vintage. If moving from Outbreak Area to Suspension Area under this option, a treatment must be applied to the vineyard prior to harvest.
Wineries previously operated under a Chief Inspectors Movement Certificate (CIMC) for receiving three or fewer consignments. These arrangements will now be managed under a Section 9 order which will be more efficient for PIRSA and the wineries.
Certification
The nationally recognised certification system for wine grapes is Interstate Certification Assurance ICA-33, which can still be used instead of the new arrangement options outlined above.
ICA-33 Movement of wine grapes
Some Riverland-based wineries may already be accredited under ICA 33 to manage the movement of wine grapes for their growers. These growers will not have to complete any additional paperwork if their winery is already accredited and they are listed as an approved property with that winery.
If you’re a grower selling to wineries in other wine regions, find out if your winery operates under ICA-33 or if you need to manage accreditation or certification yourself.
Chief Inspectors Movement Certificates (CIMC)
To apply for a CIMC complete the Secure Movement Notification form or contact PIRSA’s market access team on 1800 255 556 or email marketaccessrenmark.aaslocal@sa.gov.au
Managing loads of wine grapes at the winery
To receive wine grapes from the fruit fly affected area, the receiving winery needs to be accredited for Interstate Verification of Certification Assurance (IVCA) to ensure that each load is accompanied by the right certification to show that the grapes meet the requirements of the Plant Quarantine Standard. IVCA accreditation is mandatory if you’re receiving consignments from interstate.
Applying for IVCA accreditation
Complete the Interstate Verification of Certification Assurance application form and attach a:
- property approval (with map) for each vineyard
- list of all people who will be responsible for certifying loads.
Each winery with ICA-33 accreditation needs to list all properties which supply grapes to them. One vineyard can be listed against more than one winery.
ICA-33 covers the transport of grapes from the vineyard to the winery. Once crushed, no further certification for fruit fly is required to transport wine or grape must outside of the suspension area.
Email application and property approvals to:
- marketaccessrenmark.aaslocal@sa.gov.au if in the SA Riverland
- pirsa.planthealthmarketaccess@sa.gov.au if in other parts of the state.
Moving wine grapes into the Riverland
For wineries located within the Riverland Pest Free Area (PFA), including the fruit fly affected areas, if you are receiving wine grapes from outside the PFA each consignment must be accompanied with certification. These requirements are not related to the outbreaks and must always be adhered to.
No certification required in yellow suspension area for harvesting and crushing
No certification is needed for wine grapes harvested and crushed within the yellow suspension area, those grapes that are entering the area for crushing, or those grapes that are only transiting through the area.
All wine grapes must be transported securely when travelling through yellow suspension areas, consistent with industry standards.
Maturity samples
Maturity samples may be moved outside the suspension area using ICA-33 accreditation or a CIMC. Samples must be in sealed containers.
Notify PIRSA before moving wine grapes
Notify PIRSA at least 48 hours before the movement of wine grapes if you are not operating under ICA-33.
For businesses not operating under ICA-33 you will need to email a copy of the delivery schedule to:
- marketaccessrenmark.aaslocal@sa.gov.au if in the SA Riverland
- pirsa.planthealthmarketaccess@sa.gov.au if in other parts of the State.
Alternatively, you can complete the Secure Movement Notification form.
Wine grapes must be transported securely with one of these options:
- covered with tarp or shade cloth with no hole bigger than 1.6mm, or
- in a container or tipper, but leaving 200mm free at the top of container (including trucks, trailers and bins).
There may be random inspections.
Costs
PIRSA is not charging for audits directly related to the current fruit fly outbreaks.
Self-baiting for Riverland wine grapes
Riverland wineries located in fruit fly red outbreak areas are encouraged to treat grapes to prevent fruit fly. Register for the self-baiting program and receive free Entrust to mix with your sulphur sprays for grapevines. Self-baiting has requirements in addition to market access requirements.
Managing vineyards and wineries in the Riverland fruit fly affected areas
Vineyards and wineries in Riverland fruit fly affected areas should be managed according to the 2022–23 guidelines () that have been developed with Vinehealth Australia.