News AAP - Sydney - The Australian wine industry has set an ambitious
target to sell an extra A$4 billion worth of wine over the next five
years.

A new national industry strategy predicts cumulative domestic and
export sales between now and 2010-2011 could reach A$30 billion
($33.48b), rather than the A$26 billion based on present production
levels.

The strategy, Wine Australia: Directions to 2025, was released
yesterday after 18 months of research and analysis and is a joint
initiative of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation and
Winemakers Federation of Australia.

The report identifies 46 separate strategies built around three core
themes - anticipating the market, influencing consumer demand and
building sustainable success - as tools that will allow businesses to
understand their options." Ends

Of course, their grandiose plans depend on getting RAIN.

Most of Eastern Australia is in the midst of a million year drought:
irrigation of vines is being curtailed in the Riverina and other key
producing area.

Many town and cities are seriously considering recycling purified
sewage as a top up measure for domestic water supples.

st.helier