Accolade Wines has launched a new website, which outlines its proposed buy-out of CCW Co-operative contracts at $4000 per hectare, for those growers wishing to exit.
The website has been created to let growers ask questions and read the responses from Accolade, for what Accolade describes as its proposed solution to address the pressing challenges confronting the Riverland wine industry and its growers.
Accolade Wines Chief Supply Chain Officer Joe Russo said it was critical that growers had adequate information about the proposal, and that the website was launched after poor attendance at Accolade’s meeting with CCW members earlier in April.
“It is critical that all growers understand the detail of our proposal and its benefits. There has been a lot of discussion of the issue confronting our industry and we need to move the focus towards action and solutions. While it has been good to meet with growers since we launched this last week, only a small proportion of CCW’s members actually attended last week’s meetings,” Russo said.
“The support of CCW members is critical. Two-thirds of them will have to vote in favour of the proposal. Without their vote, the package cannot proceed – and the risks are much higher for everyone and the outcome much more uncertain.
“There is currently no other feasible option on the table that allows us as an industry to manage the outcome and our future. This package provides all growers with greater certainty and clarity. It allows us all to manage a difficult transition more smoothly, it allows those who wish to exit, to do so with dignity and those who want to continue, to do so with greater confidence.”
If CCW members vote in support of this package, they would be agreeing that CCW can terminate its existing contract with Accolade in favour of the proposed new contract, to place the industry on a sustainable footing for the future.
Active CCW members wishing to opt-out part (or all) of their red grape production from CCW’s arrangement with Accolade will be able to apply to have their production ‘bought out’ by Accolade. The buy-out process will be open to red varietals only and priority varietals for participation will be identified by Accolade prior to the process commencing.
Accolade said its proposal provides CCW members with choice, certainty and fairer pricing.
Russi added: “As an industry, for us to continue as if no response is required simply isn’t sustainable. We have a shared responsibility to face into this challenge and respond,” Mr Russo said.
“We’re wanting to take a constructive approach to the biggest industry challenge in many years. We’re keen to keep working with CCW and have listened and adapted in developing this package.”
Accolade Wines urges growers to be informed about this proposal, ask questions to gather as much information as possible before they vote by visiting: www.sustainableriverlandwine.com.au