Coalition cash drop to boost wineries

AUSTRALIAN wineries will be given a cash injection to help them fight back against punishing tariffs imposed by China as part of its ongoing campaign of coercion.

China last year slapped Aussie wines with taxes of up to 220 per cent for the next five years, all but cutting them off from the lucrative market.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a re-elected Coalition government would splash out $4m in grants of up to $25,000 to wine producers to promote their product in international markets.

“Our plan for a strong economy and stronger future backs in our world-leading wine producers to uncork new markets and create jobs in our regions,” Mr Morrison said.

The grants would reimburse expenses incurred since July this year, including claims of travel costs for a promotional visit, the cost of providing free samples of wine including freight, participation in trade fairs and in-store promotions.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the funding would help support the 2100 wineries in Australia, including the 99 in Tasmania

“This funding helps smaller to medium-sized wine producers access the lucrative world market by promoting the Aussie product internationally as some of the safest, most sustainable and highest quality wine in the world,” he said.

It is an extension of the Wine Exports Grants program, administered by Wine Australia, with more than 250 grants provided to more than 100 wineries provided under the first two rounds.

Applications for the Wine Export Grants will be assessed on a demand-driven basis.