South African wine researchers seek broader funding and coordinated programmes

South African wine researchers deliver valuable research and postgraduate training despite having less funding and capacity than counterparts in countries including Australia, California and France, speakers said at South Africa Wine’s Research, Development and Innovation Celebration and Awards event near Paarl.

The panel discussed widening funding sources, including support to develop promising innovations into viable businesses. Dr Pierre van Rensburg, global wine technology lead at AB Mauri, cited a three-year Australian project on improving low- and no-alcohol wine quality that received A$6 million, which he put at about R66 million. He said Australia draws on industry levies, a dedicated wine research fund and government programmes. He also said changes in Wine Australia’s funding priorities had contributed to staff reductions at the Australian Wine Research Institute, raising concerns about its capacity to sustain research results.

Participants backed concentrating expertise in a small number of coordinated programmes, with researchers from different disciplines working on shared challenges. South Africa’s research call uses industry and committee input to screen short concepts before selected proposals proceed to full applications. The panel cited water management as an area where coordinated research had delivered useful approaches, and identified soilborne diseases and the effects of climate change on plant diseases as subjects needing attention.

Vineyard consultant Marko Roux argued that producers should be involved in developing, validating and implementing research so findings are more likely to be used. Speakers also discussed adapting communications to different audiences. Eduard Hoffman said water research had shown ways to reduce use, but some growers continued established irrigation practices based on consultant recommendations. The panel urged support for emerging researchers and greater coordination between researchers, producers and industry.