TIMINGIn the February 21 MRWA Update, MRWA advised members that the Geographical Indications Committee (GIC) extended the time for making submissions in relation to the Interim Determination of the Wilyabrup GI until 13 June 2020
ORIGINAL APPLICATION
MRWA submitted a Freedom of Information request, to request a copy of the application that was made to the GIC with respect to the proposed Wilyabrup GI, and any material that indicates the matters considered in deciding whether to make an interim determination, as per the details here.
Wine Australia has now released the requested information and a copy of the original Wilyabrup GI application is available from MRWA upon request. Please email your request to [email protected]
MRWA BOARD DETERMINATION
After maintaining a neutral position on the aforementioned application, the MRWA Board made a determination to oppose the Interim Decision. This shift in position is a result of rigorous discussion and a comprehensive review of the process and availability of information. It is also significantly influenced by our unified conviction that the region is not yet in a position to scientifically validate where any uniqueness or uniformity occurs within our GI. Due to the current lack of information on the statistical differences in geology, climate and soil-type within the proposed Wilyabrup area, the MRWA are unable to support the Interim Determination at this point of time.
MRWA is preparing a submission to the GIC opposing the Wilyabrup GI based on section 57 criteria. The submission will provide the independent scientific data accumulated in the Margaret River Region Report around grape growing, geological formation, climate, harvest dates and elevation.
To see a copy of the Margaret River Region Project Interim Report that was presented to members in Februay, click here. Please note, this version of the report extract is the raw DRAFT format and the maps and data may look very different when publish-ready. This copy is intended for your information only and should not be distributed to a wider audience.
SUBMISSIONS TO THE GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS COMMITTEE
Members wishing to support the MRWA submission may provide a letter of support to be included in the Appendix. Please email this to [email protected] no later than 5pm Friday 5 June 2020.
Members wishing to make a direct submission to the Geographical Indications Committee should do by email to Rachel Triggs. The deadline for submissions is the 13 June 2020 so it is recommended that you send the day before to ensure it is received on time.