Last month growers in the MIA received a letter from the board that discussed limited growth for domestic markets. 

Market conditions and the Australian Dollar have also had an impact. The board wrote “it is the opinion of the board and a number of wineries that grape growers are not likely to receive any increase in their returns in the foreseeable future”.

Board chief executive officer Brian Simpson said the organisation needed to be upfront with growers. 

“For those that weren’t making a return now, it was looking more and more like they wouldn’t be anytime soon,” he said. 

“Our growers are our top priority. 

“It is disappointing, but there are still opportunities out there for these growers.”

Mr Simpson said he had heard anecdotally of growers ripping out their vines to make room for new crops. 

“There’s still plenty out there that growers in this situation can do,” he said. 

“There appears to be more opportunities with other crops.

“However, we do understand there is uncertainty out there.”

With this in mind, the board will be holding an agriculture options workshop at the Griffith Regional Theatre. The event will be in the Burley Griffin Room on May 12 from 8am to 2pm. 

“We’ll be discussing the many opportunities that are out there,” Mr Simpson said.

“It’s free and open to all to come along to.”