Viticulture research program aims to boost NZ vineyard productivity

Vineyard profitability is key to ensuring a thriving wine industry. As costs of production continue to rise, producers must adapt and innovate to remain profitable. In New Zealand, a research program called ‘Next Generation Viticulture’, led by Bragato Research Institute (BRI), has been designed to address these challenges. The program will explore ways to grow vines more efficiently, turning sunlight into grapes.

Next Generation Viticulture will run over seven years, building on research developed and applied in New Zealand horticultural crops. The program will trial several planting and canopy configurations with aims to maximise light interception by both buds and leaves to increase the number and distribution of high-quality fruiting sites on each vine. These trials will be built across a network of commercial vineyard properties in the greater Marlborough region.

New Zealand Winegrowers Chair Clive Jones said: “The program’s vision is to increase the profitability of the New Zealand wine industry by improving vineyard productivity, reducing variability in yields, while delivering exceptional-quality New Zealand wines the world demands.”

New Zealand Winegrowers announced the program following the signing of a new partnership between the Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Winegrowers and seven wine business co-investors contributing cash and in-kind. BRI is contracted to manage and deliver the program.

Bragato Research Institute CEO Dr Juliet Ansell said: “Next Generation Viticulture is aligned with BRI’s research strategy, which has a strong focus on improving vineyard profitability and sustainable winegrowing.

“We aim to provide the tools and knowledge for the industry to make better winegrowing decisions; as the program develops, we will hold regular workshops and field days to deliver knowledge to the benefit of the wider industry.”

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