Vineyard Resting Rebate
Grant details
The Vineyard Resting Rebate subsidises the purchase of a plant growth regulator, ethephon, for South Australian winegrape growers who choose to trial the chemical to put wine vines in a production hold.
Growers can apply for ethephon rebates for up to 1,000 hectares.
Information about using ethephon
Research trials conducted between 2022 and 2025 by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, in partnership with Wine Australia, showed that applying ethephon at the end of flowering can reduce crop load by up to 90% while keeping foliage healthy. This is important because healthy foliage helps the vine store energy for the following season.
Ethephon appears to be an effective chemical option to reduce crop yield. Based on 2 seasons’ data, in the season following ethephon application, the yield of treated vines returned to commercial levels, indicating no long-term negative impact on productivity. No residues of ethephon were detected in the fruit in the season following its application, ensuring that the previously treated fruit met safety and quality standards. The long-term effects of these treatments are yet to be determined.
All producers must consider their own circumstances before deciding to rest a vineyard and the method used to do so. The ethephon technical factsheet should be read prior to making any decisions. It provides a step-by-step guide on implementing the ethephon trial on a commercial vineyard, covering application rates, timing, and considerations for vineyard management. It also outlines the potential risks and knowledge gaps involved in trialling this method. The factsheet should not be interpreted as a recommendation to adopt this management option.
Given it typically costs more than $4,500 per hectare to produce red wine grapes, having an inexpensive alternative to reduce production is important to vineyard management and helps avoid vineyard removal. Conservative estimates indicate growers could save up to $2,000 per hectare in input and vineyard management costs by choosing to apply ethephon to rest their vineyards. It will also help mitigate the current oversupply and to buy some time to make future business decisions with more information, support and options.
Download the Viticulture fact sheet – Resting vineyards using ethephon ( ).
Key dates
Applications will open in September and close at 5 pm on 31 January 2027.
Growers can apply for the chemical rebate for ethephon purchased between 1 July 2026 to 31 January 2027.
Amounts
Growers involved with the trial can apply for a rebate of $40 per hectare sprayed to cover the cost of ethephon, up to 1,000 hectares per ABN.
Eligibility
The Vineyard Resting Rebate is available to South Australian vignerons who have purchased ethephon and are trialling vine resting on their commercial vineyard. Applicants must:
- hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- have an active Grape Grower Vine Health Vineyard Identifier Number
- have a commercial vineyard located within South Australia
- provide copies of official invoices, receipts, and proof of payment for the purchase of the ethephon chemical
- have a spray diary documenting the ethephon application.
Only one application per ABN will be accepted.
How to apply
Read the Vineyard Resting Rebate Guidelines ( ).
When you apply, you will need to upload copies of all supporting documentation:
- signed and witnessed acquittal form – this is a legal requirement
- tax invoices and receipts showing evidence of payment for purchase, including:
- full details of the goods or services supplied
- the GST exclusive cost of those good or services
- the applicant's business name, address and ABN
- the applicant’s bank transfer(s) or bank statement(s) with any relevant official receipt(s) from suppliers or contractors.
You must be a registered user of the myPIRSA portal to apply.
To be notified when applications open, please email geoff.cowey@sa.gov.au.