Grapegrowers

- Tony Mangan

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Riverina

Grapegrower, Andrew Stott

Business established: 1977, 2nd generation grape-growing family
Name: RJ & MA Stott / Andrew Stott
No. of employees: 8
Annual tonnage: 1600
Hectares: 250
Varieties grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz.

'A changed tax situation will affect everyone - not just the farmers. Here in the Riverina we understand that it’s our team effort which helps our region prosper. We know that what affects the farmers this year will affect the businesses in town next year.'

Riverland

Grapegrower, Brett Proud
Business established: 1920s, 3rd generation grapegrowing family
Name: Brett Proud (brothers Andrew and Philip, cousins Steve and Linton)
Annual tonnage: 650 self, family 3000
Hectares: 30 (self), 180 (family)
Varieties grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Colombard, Frontignan White, Gordo, Mataro, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinor Noir, Riesling, Semillion, and Shiraz.

'My extended family has lived in the region since the 1920s when my grandfather helped establish the private irrigation scheme here. Like a significant number of grape-growers in the region, we are currently in an absolutely dire financial situation.

Any further erosion of our financial situation, through a change in the tax situation, will mean that over 80 years of grape production will be forced to end.'

Sunraysia

Grapegrower, Tony Mangan
Business established: 1989
Name: CA & JA Mangan
No. of employees: 12 full-time and 50 seasonal
Annual tonnage: 13,000
Hectares: 550
Varieties grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Colombard, Glera, Gordo, Merlot, Moscato Giallo, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz.

'There are changes in the economy and the wine industry. Consumers’ tastes are changing and so is the environment. These are issues we have to face as a grape grower. We don’t need a tax change on top of all that.'