FOWLES Wine has released the first 12 months’ results of its joint project with University of New England on a pioneering study of insect-eating micro-bats as vineyard pest control, which could ultimately save Australia’s wine industry $50 million per year.
The study has been investigating whether micro-bats are consuming pests in the Fowles vineyard at the same rate as on cotton farms, with the potential to increase the use of natural resources in the broader wine industry.
Fowles Wine owner, Matt Fowles, said the UNE installed sound recording devices in the Strathbogie Ranges vineyard in October, 2023 to better understand the different bat species living there, their feeding habits and their role in maintaining biodiversity in the local ecosystem.
“The big-picture aim of the ‘Bats and Wine’ program is to look at ways we can farm in nature’s image – that is to work with the power of nature to create a win-win for both winemaking and the environment,” Mr Fowles said.
“The first year’s results are fascinating, with a total of 172 fauna species recorded on our vineyard, including 12 species of insect-eating bats – among these are two species that are classified as critically endangered, one that’s endangered, and four others that are vulnerable under Victoria’s FFG (Flora and Fauna Guarantee) Act.
“Other vulnerable birdlife – the Brown Treecreeper and Australian Pipit – were also recorded.
“During the same period (as the study), we’ve also embarked on an initiative with Euroa Arboretum to implement insectariums and seed orchards to ensure regenerative and self-sufficient ecosystems.
“An evaluation at the 12-month mark of the concurrent projects has shown that by enhancing habitat connectivity and supporting native fauna, we can create a sustainable vineyard environment while also boosting natural pest control and preserving the biodiversity of the local region,” he said.
“We’re really excited about the potential flow-on effects of this research for Australia’s viticulture and farming sectors in controlling agricultural pests and, in turn, providing a huge economic benefit – saving the country’s producers $50 million a year.
“Our enduring philosophy at Fowles is to harness the land’s ecology to create more sustainable and resilient farming systems, producing quality in abundance – and we’re definitely ‘walking the talk’ with our research and practices.”
The ‘Bats and Wine’ study has also delivered a number of recommended actions for Fowles Wine to enhance habitat connectivity and support threatened species and conservation, including revegetate and maintain buffer zones around nearby Discovery Creek and Burnt Creek tributaries; link existing vegetation to high-value roadside habitat with large hollow-bearing trees; retain isolated paddock trees which serve as vital roosts and foraging sites for bats and birds; maintain long grasses between grapevines to attract beneficial insects and insectivorous birds; install bat boxes near vineyards and water sources to support insect-eating bat populations; and engage with conservation organisations to implement best practices.
Mr Fowles said his team’s pride in being part of this important project — the most comprehensive study of its kind — as well as his gratitude for being named a 2025 finalist for the Horticulture Farmer of the Year category of The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year Awards for his efforts and achievements in biodiversity innovation.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised in such a coveted awards program which provides us with a great platform to share what we’re learning – and what other producers can too – to improve practices, prevent crop and financial loss, and care for the environment,” he said.
