INTRODUCTION
The National Vine Health Steering Committee (NVHSC) is a consultative group involving all major stakeholders (Commonwealth, State Governments and industry) with an interest in grape health issues, specifically in relation to grapevine pests and diseases of national economic significance. The current membership of NVHSC is at Appendix A.
This paper provides a strategic plan for the NVHSC.

THE ENVIRONMENT WE OPERATE IN
The NVHSC deals with grapevine health issues against a background of a constantly evolving and complex industry.

The industry has a number of strengths that are relevant to the NVHSC. As a result of isolation and a strong quarantine system the health of grapes in Australia tends to be superior to many other countries. The industry is innovative, willing to adopt new technology and there is a high level of cooperation. There are significant opportunities for research and development that could improve the performance of the industry through reduction of pest and disease losses. A nationally consistent approach to vine health issues will minimise losses and maximise use of scarce resources.

Against this background of strengths and opportunities there are a number of threats and weaknesses. The major threats include new exotic diseases, existing serious pests and diseases in Australia and the impact these may have on production costs and access to markets in such a competitive industry. The industry has a large number of smaller players and in some cases there is a low awareness of pest and disease risks and Australia's responsibilities in regard to international trade. Given the wide host range of some pests the grapevine industry is also influenced by the activities of other industries and needs to maintain appropriate linkages.

HISTORY OF NVHSC AND ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE

The National Vine Health Steering Committee was an initiative of the Winegrape Growers' Council of Australia (WGCA). It was established in November 1998 with an initial membership of those with an industry responsibility, policy or advisory interest in phylloxera. Subsequently the membership was expanded to be representative of all areas with interests in grapevine health issues.

Initial work within the NVHSC concentrated on development of National Protocols for the movement of grapevine materials from Phylloxera infested zones to other areas. These protocols minimise the risks of movement of Phylloxera and have been widely adopted by industry. Other key issues that are being dealt with include consideration of the risks of importation of grapes from California, Australian Grapevine Yellows and the involvement of the grapevine industry with Plant Health Australia.

The NVHSC is funded by the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation with in-kind contributions from Committee representatives and their organisations.