Grape Industry Analysis for Investment and Redevelopment

3.3 Limitations
Extrapolation of SunRISE crop data
Information on grape varieties, irrigation methods, rootstocks and property ownership are
derived from analyses of the SunRISE crop databases and extrapolation for unknown (‘not
surveyed’) records.
At least 80% of crop varieties are recorded for each year (1997, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2014) with
the exception of:
2014 non-bearing wine grape varieties where only 25% of non-bearing varieties are
recorded. The 2014 non-bearing wine grape varieties have not been extrapolated (Figure
12, Figure 14, Figure 13 and Figure 15).
2014 non-bearing table grape varieties where only 62% of non-bearing varieties are
recorded. The 2014 non-bearing table grape varieties were still extrapolated (Figure 43).
At least 70% of crop rootstocks are recorded for each year (1997, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2014)
with the exception of:
2009 and 2014 table grape plantings where only 63% and 54% respectively of rootstocks
are recorded. The 2009 and 2014 table grape rootstock data was still extrapolated
(Figure 54).
Areas and varieties of non-bearing plantings (less than three years old) are provided however the
areas are likely to be under-stated as not all new and redeveloped plantings will have been
recorded. SunRISE relies on visual identification of changes to plantings from the imagery and
from information provided by growers.
Multi use varieties
Total areas (hectares) of grapevine plantings for each year in this report are accurate as they are
mapped from scale accurate high resolution imagery. However, the area split for multi-use
varieties, such as Gordo and Sultana, between the three markets (wine, table and dried) can be
subject to error.
Given that there are large areas of multi-use varieties their influence on total wine/dried/table
areas can be significant. Without direct input from a grower on the market for their produce in a
given season, SunRISE uses the history of the growers produce types, trellising details, crop prices
etc. to assess the likely market that the fruit was consigned to.
Also, the imagery provides visual clues as to produce type; such as white plastic covers over table
grapes, smaller canopy on wine grape plantings and the patterning of canopy on a Shaw trellis for
drying is often distinct.
Area harvested versus area planted
Areas (hectares) stated in this report are the areas planted, not the area harvested.
No attempt has been made to determine the proportion of crop not harvested in each of the
seasons presented. Production and crop value estimates are based on all bearing plantings
having been harvested, whereas this is not necessarily the case.
Property numbers
Property numbers are estimates only. In the SunRISE crop databases a ‘property’ is a corporate
entity or family business where the family business can encompass multiple farms and family
members. However, ‘property’ names are entered into the crop database as specified by growers
and they may represent individual family members rather than the family company. This would
suggest that property numbers are over stated in the analysis.
SunRISE Mapping & Research Grape Industry Analysis Page 14 of 65