Fowles Wine has unveiled the first-year results of a groundbreaking research project in partnership with the University of New England (UNE) that could save Australia’s wine industry up to $50 million per year. The study focuses on using insect-eating micro-bats as a natural pest control solution, with the potential to revolutionise viticulture practices across the nation.
Owner of Fowles Wine, Matt Fowles, has long been a champion of sustainability and environmental conservation. His commitment has earned him a spot as a finalist in The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year Awards. The ‘Bats and Wine’ study, launched in October 2023, investigates the role of micro-bats in controlling vineyard pests at Fowles Wine’s Strathbogie Ranges site in Victoria.
“We’re really excited about the potential flow-on effects of this research for Australia’s viticulture and farming sectors,” Fowles said. “By enhancing habitat connectivity and supporting native fauna, we can create a sustainable vineyard environment while also boosting natural pest control and preserving the biodiversity of the local region.”
The study has revealed some promising results, with 172 fauna species recorded on the vineyard, including 12 species of insect-eating bats. Among these were two species classified as critically endangered, one endangered species, and four vulnerable species under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. The research has highlighted the critical importance of maintaining local biodiversity to improve pest management in the wine industry.
Additionally, the vineyard has partnered with Euroa Arboretum to implement insectariums and seed orchards, aiming to ensure regenerative ecosystems. Fowles Wine is also taking steps to improve habitat connectivity through the revegetation of buffer zones and the installation of bat boxes to support insect-eating bat populations.
“We’re walking the talk with our research and practices,” said Fowles, emphasising the winery’s philosophy of harnessing the land’s ecology to build more resilient farming systems. This approach not only boosts pest control but also helps preserve threatened species in the region.
The study’s results have led to several key recommendations to enhance habitat for both bats and other wildlife. These include linking vegetation to high-value roadside habitats, retaining isolated paddock trees, and maintaining long grasses between grapevines to attract beneficial insects and insectivorous birds.
Fowles Wine’s commitment to sustainability has also been reflected in the quality of its wines, with the winery’s cool-climate varietals winning multiple awards, including five gold medals for its 2021 Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz.
As the research continues, Fowles Wine remains optimistic about its ability to significantly reduce costs in pest management while fostering biodiversity. The potential savings for Australia’s wine industry could amount to $50 million annually, providing both economic and environmental benefits.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised in such a coveted awards program,” Fowles said, referring to his recent The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year Awards nomination. “It provides us with a great platform to share what we’re learning – and what other producers can too – to improve practices, prevent crop and financial loss, and care for the environment.”