New vineyard developments continue across New Zealand and Australia as the wine industry evolves and adapts to changing conditions.
Environmental pressures
There is growing recognition that treated wooden vineyard posts pose environmental challenges. A 2004 survey by Hort Research in Marlborough, New Zealand, testing copper, chromium and arsenic (CCA) concentrations around vineyard posts in different soil types, found evidence of leaching from treated timber posts.
Ongoing research continues to highlight concerns around the long-term sustainability of wooden vineyard posts. In addition, the disposal of an estimated six million damaged wooden posts each year across New Zealand and Australia presents a significant issue. The volatility of arsenic prevents burning, while the presence of chrome in ash complicates disposal further.
Potential trade barriers
International attention is increasing, particularly in Europe and the United States. There is potential for CCA-treated vineyard posts to become a non-tariff trade issue, which could impact wine exports from Australasia on environmental grounds.
Organic winegrowing
For organic winegrowers, the use of new or replacement treated timber posts is not an option, further driving demand for alternative vineyard post systems.
