Putting wine waste to work
New Zealand invests $2.79 million to convert winemaking waste into soil amendment, aiming to reduce waste, cut emissions, and create a new revenue stream for Marlborough’s wine industry.
The Government is funding a $2.79 million programme through the Primary Sector Growth Fund to address winemaking by-products known as lees. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay highlighted that traditional disposal methods for these organic residues are becoming increasingly costly and restricted in Marlborough, where large volumes are generated. The initiative, led by Bragato Research Institute, aims to develop a sustainable long-term solution that reduces environmental impact while creating economic value for growers.
The project involves collecting lees from participating wineries and processing them into a soil amendment combining lees, compost, and biochar. Co-investors are contributing an additional $4.19 million to support the programme, which will include testing, monitoring, and system design to validate the model at scale. The goal is to provide local councils and industry with the evidence needed to adopt a permanent, self-sustaining solution for waste management in the region.
If successful, the programme could establish a long-term waste solution for Marlborough’s wine industry and serve as a model for other wine regions across New Zealand. The initiative reflects collaboration between government and industry to address an environmental challenge while unlocking economic opportunities. Benefits are expected for growers, local councils, communities, and the environment through reduced waste and improved soil health.
The Government’s investment underscores its commitment to supporting sustainable practices in the primary sector. By transforming winery waste into a valuable resource, the programme aims to reduce emissions, enhance soil quality, and create a new revenue stream for growers, aligning with broader environmental and economic goals.