New director for the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre

A highly accomplished wine industry identity and researcher, Professor Jim Hardie, has been appointed as the Director of the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Wagga Wagga.

Professor Hardie has been Professor of Wine Growing Innovation at the NWGIC since 2007. Over that time he has actively promoted its capacity to drive value-adding change across the industry.

Professor Hardie has more than 30 years' experience in viticultural research, vineyard management and wine production.

“Professor Hardie epitomises achieving relevant and effective collaboration for industry-focused research and development. He has received awards for his contributions to science and the extension of research findings within the wine industry and is a frequent invitee as a keynote speaker for industry conferences in Australia and overseas,” said CSU Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Ian Goulter.

Career highlights of Professor Hardie include:

• Holding the CEO position from 1994 to 2007 of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Viticulture — a joint venture of Australia’s seven leading research and education agencies and the Australian viticultural industry.
• Founding Ecovinia International Pty Ltd, a consultancy group specialising in ecologically attuned vineyard development and integrated operational management for fine wine production.
• A decade in research and development with Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyards. In that role he set up the Whitlands Vineyard, a pioneering project in cool climate viticulture in Victoria.

The National Wine and Grape Industry Centre uses knowledge generated by scientific research to drive value-adding innovation within the industry through its extension, education and training channels.

The centre comprises three partners: CSU, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and the NSW Wine Industry Association (NSW WIA).