The Australian grape and wine sector is uniquely positioned to lead in integrating carbon farming and natural capital management within primary production. Vineyards operate within complex landscapes that influence biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and climate outcomes. However, there is currently no viticulture-specific methodology that enables winegrape growers to measure, manage, and be rewarded for environmental improvements while enhancing vineyard resilience and supporting business profitability.

Current carbon farming and natural capital accounting methodologies are often designed for broadacre agriculture or forestry, with limited applicability to viticulture. This gap restricts vineyard owners from accessing carbon and environmental markets, undervaluing their contributions to ecosystem services such as habitat provision, carbon sequestration, and soil resilience.

This Expression of Interest outlines a proposal to develop a national methodology tailored to viticulture that integrates carbon farming, natural capital accounting, and biodiversity outcomes, ensuring both environmental integrity and benefits for grape producers.

Full details are available in the Expression of Interest document.

Submissions and enquiries should be directed to Julian Marchant, ESG Program Manager via julian.marchant@wineaustralia.com.

The submission deadline is 17 April 2026 at 5pm (ACST).