The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is calling on growers to give feedback on experiences within the industry. 

Wine grape growers – including some from the MIA – first brought perceived issues to the group’s attention two years ago. 

Issues were raised around a lack of pricing information, limited competition. 

ACCC deputy chair commissioner Mick Keogh said the input of growers is vital in painting a bigger picture. 

“When we did a review two years ago and held some forums. We had quite strong concerns from wine grape growers about the way their industry operated,” he said. 

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“Some concerns were raised in Griffith. Others were in the river land.”

A designated survey is open to growers, who can remain anonymous, to detail their experiences. 

“The first stage of it is to collect comprehensive information. We had a lot of anecdotes, but we thought it was important to get a lot more detail about the issues raised with us. That’s why we’re encouraging them to participate,” Commissioner Keogh said. 

He said a number of issues were raised with ACCC by growers, including some from the Riverina region. 

“There were three or four issues raised with us. One was the lack of pricing information available to growers. They have to make decision about managing their grapes or delivering,” he said. 

Other perceived problems related to the subjectivity of what constitutes grape quality and alleged delays in payments. 

Riverina Wine Grape Marketing Board chief executive Brian Simpson said the investigation was a positive for the region. 

“It’s a great thing for the government to be looking at our industry. They’ve looked at other organisations and groups to look at issues within industries and at better ways of assisting within those industries,” he said. 

“We support the opportunity given to growers to give the ACCC information about what has happened and to better understand the market pressures of the Riverina.” 

A lack of industry code within the Riverina is of particular concern for Mr Simpson. 

“The Riverina doesn’t have any industry codes that are available to us as growers. It’s just voluntary and there are no signatories to the code in the Riverina region,” he said. 

The survey is completely anonymous and will not be used for any other purpose, Commissioner Keogh confirmed. 

Survey is online – ACCC website and at the bottom of the homepage is a consultation hub. there they will find reference to the wine 

“It can be completely anonymous. It’s not a long survey. It’s a starting point. We’re not intending to use the information provided in any processes,” he said. 

“It’s just really helping us to understand the nature of the issues growers.” 

The survey can be taken on the ACCC website.