About RITA

Within a national R&D framework it is important to address regional differences.

Programming of Research to Practice workshops, for example, has considered local environment and cultural practices. Levels of understanding and importance of particular aspects of viticulture and wine production have also been accommodated.

While appropriate packaging is an obvious part of regionalisation of R&D, another dimension is activation of local interest.

The Regional Innovation and Technology Adoption (RITA) model of funding was put in place by the GWRDC several years ago when it was realised that new concepts and technology required local evaluation. Allied with this, many regional bodies have been keen to identify aspects of production that should be addressed for improved performance, particularly those with greatest potential to contribute to regional development.

RITA is an effective avenue for achieving outcomes of Program 1: Innovation and Technology Adoption in the GWRDC Five Year Research & Development Plan.

Generally there is a maximum of $25,000 of GWRDC funding made available for each project with an expectation that additional contributions to the local project will be made by regional grapegrower bodies. Each project generally has a 12 month timeframe.

Applications for regional funding are considered four to five times a year, depending on available funds.

> RITA Guidelines

> RITA Application Form

> RITA Reconciliation Form

> RITA Progress Report