Vanessa Hood, Paul Blackshaw, Rosie Hannah, Megan Hill, Sally Dickinson, Angie Grills and John Whiting.

Preferred presentation format: Refereed paper

Affiliation(s): Department of Primary Industries, Victoria

Title: Ms Vanessa Hood Position: Grapecheque Facilitator Organisation: Department of Primary Industries, Victoria Contact email: Vanessa.Hood@dpi.vic.gov.au Contact phone: 03 9296 4658

Keywords: evaluation, focus groups, phone surveys, viticulture

Grapecheque is a Victorian extension program, funded through the Department of Primary Industries, which helps grape growers make informed decisions about their businesses. Twenty-three regionally based grower groups operate throughout Victoria. Facilitators plan, conduct and evaluate extension events that meet the needs of the growers in their region. Events are based on ‘Adult Learning Principles’ and include seminars, vineyard walks and study tours. Grapecheque aims to not only provide information on new and existing technologies, but to also help growers think about practical ways of implementing them. Expert presenters deliver information on various subjects, but there is also a strong emphasis on learning from other growers.

An evaluation of the Grapecheque program was conducted, to demonstrate the impact of the program on the viticultural practices of grape growers in Victoria over the past 3 years (2000-2003).

Quantitative evaluation data was obtained through a phone survey of approximately 300 grape growers, randomly selected from across Victoria. Surveys were conducted in June-August 2003 and included Grapecheque participants and growers that don’t take part. The survey focussed on the viticultural practices of grape growers. Results will be compared with a similar survey completed in 2000. Qualitative evaluation data was obtained through five focus groups, conducted across Victoria in February 2003 with Grapecheque participants. These sessions explored the strengths and weaknesses of the program.

Analysis of the evaluation data will be completed by late September 2003. Preliminary analysis indicates that Grapecheque participants use better management practices compared to growers who don’t attend the program.

Key learning points:

• Grapecheque is a group based extension program for grape growers in Victoria.
• The impact of Grapecheque was recently evaluated, using phone surveys and focus groups.
• Preliminary analysis of the evaluation data indicates that Grapecheque has a positive impact on the viticultural practices used by participants.