A decision on lifting China’s tariffs on wine in Australia will come too late for grape growers, including Cooltong-based Jack Papageorgiou.
As the harvest season unfolds, ABC News reported that grape growers are having to dump their grapes on the ground or leave them on the vines, rather than be paid increasingly low prices.
Mr Papageorgiou shed light on the challenges faced by the industry and the need for sustainable solutions beyond tariff relief.
“The Chinese know we have millions of litres of wine in the tanks, so I’m sure they will try to get the best offer that they can,” he told ABC News.
The 71-year-old said that even if China reopens its doors to Australian wine imports, he remains adamant that the industry should not solely rely on this market.
Despite the recent announcement and likelihood of China lifting its wine tariffs, the oversupply issue continues, leaving many farmers struggling with stock and making any profit.
Source: ABC News.
