However, it is now clear that even those with contracts could face uncertain times if they for whatever reason are unable to produce high quality crops. News this week that wineries will reserve the right to reject low standard grapes has put growers on notice. The warning raises several issues that should be addressed to ensure such decisions are made fairly. As has always been the case the best growers will be the best rewarded. The major change appears to be that those who do not observe best growing practices run the risk of receiving little or no money instead of the big dollars that have been on offer in recent years.
Growers are certain to continue calls for more uniform quality testing procedures.
Some growers experienced inexplicable variations from the colour testing system that was implemented last year. It was not uncommon to hear of growers receiving premium and base payment gradings from different loads that originated from the same patch. It also took several weeks to receive quality testing results, which made it impossible for growers to prepare expenditure budgets. Market forces will always dictate prices, but moves by wineries to reject contracted grapes makes one question the legal status of their obligations as stated in the standard supply contract.