This is Otto Dal Zotto.
More than 20 years ago, Otto planted the first Prosecco vines in Australia, in the beautiful King Valley.
Otto says that to him, Prosecco is like family. He was inspired to plant the vines by remembering his childhood in Valdobbiadene in Italy.
So when Otto tells me we must do everything we can to protect the use of the name of Prosecco in Australia, I listen.
Not just because of how close it is to his heart, but because Prosecco is now a $205 million a year industry in Australia, and most of it comes from the King Valley in Indi.
Winemakers and grapegrowers are concerned that they could be prevented from using the name Prosecco in free trade negotiations with the European Union, and this week representatives from Brown Brothers, Pizzini Wines and Dal Zotto Wines travelled to Canberra to ensure the Government knows just how important it is that use of Prosecco is not traded away.
I have met with Trade Minister Don Farrell and Australia’s lead trade negotiators in recent months, and was pleased to meet with Minister Farrell again with the industry representatives.
We also kicked off the first ever Parliamentary Friends of Viticulture, where MPs from across the political spectrum, including Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, learned of the importance of Prosecco in the wider viticulture industry, and why it must be protected.
We’re going to keep fighting to ensure the use of Prosecco continues in Australia.
