An experimental vineyard opened in Blenheim is expected to futureproof the New Zealand wine sector.
Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson was on hand to open a new, state of the art experimental vineyard in Blenheim. The new vineyard is expected to future proof the local New Zealand wine sector following significant government investment.
The covered experimental vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, will enable controlled environmental conditions for the high quality product and reseach.
Patterson said this was a set in the right direction for the local wine sector, and will help the local sector plan ahead for unforeseen obstacles.
“The research that will be produced at the Experimental Future Vineyard will help ensure New Zealand’s wine sector is prepared for challenges such as changing weather patterns,” Patterson said.
He added that this was an example of the Coalition Government’s specific priority of boosting economic conditions in regional and urban areas.
“The Coalition Government is focused on growing the economy, doubling the value of our exports, and ensuring our regions are supported to developing their unique growth opportunities through strategic investment. This state-of-the-art facility enables research to futureproof the sector, ensuring it continues to thrive while protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s $2.4 billion a year in wine exports.”
Contributing more than NZD $637 million to the GDP, Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region. More than 80 percent of the country’s wine is produced in the region, as well as employing more than 2900 people and many more on seasonal contracts.
Plant & Food Research will operate the Experimental Future Vineyard and will work closely with the Marlborough Research Centre, and the wider wine industry, and will provide industry training.
The experimental vineyard was funded with NZD $900,000 from a NZD $3.79m loan from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit to the Marlborough Research Centre.
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