Vineyard Resting Rebate to launch for a fourth time in South Australia next month

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is set to launch a fourth round of the Vineyard Resting Rebate next month through the South Australian Wine Recovery Program. Eligible producers will be able to apply for a $40 per hectare rebate to help cover the cost of buying Ethephon, a plant growth regulator which can be used to reduce grape production when applied at the right stage of vine development. The rebate will be available for up to 1,000 hectares per registered business (ABN) and will apply to Ethephon purchased between 1 July 2026 and 31 January 2027. Research conducted by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) in partnership with Wine Australia has previously found that Ethephon is an effective tool for reducing grape yields to the point where harvesting is not required. Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said the SA Wine Recovery Program continues to support grapegrowers and winemakers to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the sector.