About Funding
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation invests in research, development and extension of knowledge from projects within five programs which are aimed at enhancing the profitability, international competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian wine industry.
Each year the GWRDC provides funding for more than 100 R&D projects. The GWRDC allocates funds to selected projects which meet both the priorities of the grape and wine industry and the Australian Government's National Research Priorities and Rural Research and Development Priorities. View the funding guidelines for full details of selection criteria.
The GWRDC's investment objectives are developed in consultation with industry stakeholders both directly and through regional, state and national associations.
There are five programs in the current GWRDC Five Year R&D Plan and investments are made to meet specified outcomes to enhance profitability, international competitiveness and sustainability of Australian grape and wine production. Activities are also aligned with the Australian Government's National Research Priorities and Rural Research and Development Priorities.
Funding streams which serve these programs through research, extension of knowledge and the development of technologies and human capacity are:
- Major research projects of national interest, for which a call for applications is made each year;
- GWRDC Regional;
- Honors and PhD support; and
- Travel scholarships.
Most investments are made in wine and viticultural science with the research being provided by national and state research institutions, although private organisations, collaborating agencies and individuals are eligible to apply. Regional funding assists in meeting strategic extension and adoption targets, while personal development and expansion of knowledge are expected results from Honours, PhD and travel funding.
All sectors (including the grape growers, wine makers and the Australian Government which provide the money for research and extension) are involved in priority-setting and the industry continues a close interest in the selection and progress of GWRDC investments.
While proposals which do not appear to align with priorities can be considered, success is most likely when these are considered and when guidelines are followed.
The GWRDC does not fund activities which are based on political aims or promotion of products, regional activities or organisations. It also refrains from investing where there is no market failure (this refers to activities which could reasonably be expected to be provided by the market on a cost recovery/profit basis).
