MVW CEO Mike Stone said the CSIRO has a long history of involvement in the regional winegrape industry, developing new varieties and conducting research into rootstocks and vine performance, particularly under the stress conditions brought on by climate change and drought.

"As a matter of urgency, we want an explanation from the CSIRO on the future of these projects," Mr Stone said.

"The CSIRO scientists attached to the Merbein complex are among the most experienced and knowledgeable in the world and we want to know whether their work will continue and in what form."

Mr Stone said the Murray Valley NSW/ Victorian wine regions of Murray-Darling and Swan Hill are responsible for a quarter of Australia’s production and every year provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in research levies.

"All winegrape growers pay $2/tonne to the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) and the CSIRO is a major provider of research services to the GWRDC, with growers ultimately being the beneficiaries.

"Growers therefore have a stake in the future of the CSIRO and want a full explanation on the ramifications of the cost-cutting measures forced on the organisation by cuts to its budget."