• Charles Sturt to initiate Vineyard of the Future program in 2023
• The program will create a hub for ideation, innovation and transformation and will allow for industry co-design and co-investment in research and education
• It will be showcased at the Henty Machinery Field Days, from Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 September

Charles Sturt University is ready to welcome a new era in wine innovation as it prepares to initiate a program that encourages the transformation and progression of the Australian wine industry.

The Vineyard of the Future program will be initiated this year by Charles Sturt in its endeavours to further its commitment to the future of the Australian wine industry.

Charles Sturt’s Associate Director of Academic and Education Partnerships for the Wine Industry Mr Mark Bourne said the program will be a hub for ideation, innovation and transformation to drive productivity, profitability and sustainability of the wine industry into the future.

“It will be achieved through the development and support of a new site containing world class vineyard and winery facilities,” he said.

“The Vineyard of the Future program is showcasing a new era at Charles Sturt to allow for industry to co-design and co-invest in their own future through innovative education and research projects, backed by state-of-the-art facilities.”

The facility will feature innovative science and technology, responsive researchers, educators, information and training facilities, innovative product development systems, co-design and co-investment models for research and agtech organisations.

This program, which is part of Charles Sturt's Gulbali Institute of Agriculture, Water and Enviroment, will be showcased at the Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) from Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 September and will be co-located with technology partner, XAg Australia, on the Charles Sturt site. XAg Australia will showcase unmanned and automated aerial and terrestrial drones.

Mr Bourne said the HMFD is an ideal location to showcase this program and its capabilities.

“Key events such as HMFD provide a unique opportunity for this generation of farmers, and the next, to connect with education and research organisations like Charles Sturt University on their challenges and opportunities, to continually improve agricultural production that will feed and clothe our communities,” he said.

In response to the fast-paced change and growth of the agriculture and grape and wine landscapes, Charles Sturt has initiated a new One CSU Wine Strategy. The strategy will provide an overarching framework for the University to drive the workforce of the future and provide greater impacts and outcomes from research and education.

Mr Bourne said these significant Charles Sturt investments in the future of the wine industry will provide a platform for:

• Adoption of best practices to drive industry sustainability, productivity and profitability
• Agtech development, testing, analysis, trials and demonstrations
• World-class innovation, research, education, training and skills development
• Innovative product development in the sustainability and carbon markets

Members of the public and industry are invited to learn more about the future of grape and wine production at Charles Sturt’s HMFD site, located at Block N, site 564-566.