South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)

The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is the principal research division of South Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and a nationally recognised provider of applied research for Australia's grape and wine sector. SARDI conducts research that improves the productivity, sustainability and resilience of primary industries, with a strong focus on viticulture, plant health, irrigation, biosecurity and vineyard management. Its programs are designed to provide practical, science-based solutions that help Australian grapegrowers adapt to changing environmental, economic and production conditions.

Through long-standing strategic partnerships with Wine Australia, SARDI delivers research, development and extension (RD&E) programs that address some of the most significant challenges facing vineyards. Key research areas include grapevine trunk diseases, fungicide resistance, vineyard resilience, irrigation management, clonal performance, grapevine propagation, biosecurity and pest management. SARDI researchers have developed new management strategies for grapevine trunk diseases, improved understanding of fungicide resistance in major vineyard pathogens, and delivered practical tools and diagnostics that help growers make informed management decisions and protect vineyard productivity.

Wine Australia has invested in SARDI through strategic research agreements and project-based funding designed to deliver long-term benefits for levy payers. In 2018, Wine Australia and SARDI entered into a five-year co-investment agreement valued at $11.1 million to support research in disease management, vineyard resilience and clonal performance. More recent investments have supported nationally significant projects on grapevine trunk diseases, fungicide resistance, grapevine scale, vineyard resting and biosecurity preparedness. SARDI's work is characterised by strong collaboration with research partners including Charles Sturt University, universities and industry organisations, ensuring that research outcomes are translated into practical tools and management practices for the sector.

The partnership between Wine Australia and SARDI provides the grape and wine sector with critical scientific capability in vineyard health and production systems. By combining applied research with extensive industry engagement, SARDI helps Australian grapegrowers improve vineyard performance, manage emerging threats, reduce production risks and build resilience in the face of climate, pest and disease challenges, ultimately supporting the long-term profitability and sustainability of the Australian grape and wine sector.