Services

Retallack Ecology provides practical, evidence-based advisory services for vineyards and agricultural production systems throughout Australia and overseas.

We work with growers, agribusiness, government and industry to improve resilience, profitability and ecological performance through tailored, independent advice.

Our clients include:

  • Individual growers
  • Corporate companies
  • Government departments
  • Peak industry bodies (regional, state and national)

We offer:

  • Personalised service
    Mary will always respond to your enquiry
  • Independence
    Agricultural advice provided without bias
  • A broad range of knowledge and skills gained over the past 30 years
    Resourced through strong networks within the wine and agribusiness communities
  • Tailored service
    Providing innovative solutions to difficult problems
  • Chartered Agriculturist (CAg)
    Our services are industry and internationally recognised

Discuss your project

Whether you need technical vineyard advice, ecological design, independent expert opinion or strategic project leadership, I'd be delighted to discuss how we can help.

Contact Dr Mary Retallack

How can we help your business?

Agroecology

Environmental stewardship, functional biodiversity enhancement, native insectary plants, integrated pest management, soil health, ground cover plants, stacked enterprises, growing the resilience and buffering the capacity of production systems

Training and extension

Development and delivery of grower training materials, educational and extension materials (manuals, workshop notes, fact sheets etc.) on agroecology, regenerative and viticultural practices

Project management

Project work for funding bodies, grower groups etc. (grower research, development, extension and adoption)

Public speaking

Conferences, lectures and workshops, guest speaker presentations

Vineyard business reviews and future planning

Development and review of business plans. Assisting winegrowers to map the strategic direction of their business and adapt to climate change pressures

Vineyard appraisal and investor reviews

Review of vineyard developments and provision of detailed reports for owner/investors, and/or potential purchasers (due diligence)

Review of vineyard performance and capital investment

Reporting to shareholders

Problem solving and vineyard advice

Optimising vine health (including problem solving for unthrifty grapevines). Collection of samples for diagnostic assessment and reporting of issues (pests, disease, nematodes etc.)

Expert opinion

Court-appointed expert reporting

Specialist and independent expert reports and advice (legal or insurance claims). Loss assessment (spray drift, frost, fire, mechanical damage, animal damage etc.)

Mediation, expert determination, arbitration

Resolution Institute (formally IAMA) Accredited Grade 3 Arbitrator and Mediator. Expert determination (Australian Wine Industry Code of Conduct)

Vine and fruit quality assessment

Fruit condition and purity (incidence and severity) assessment

Non-executive director/chair duties

Corporate governance specialist, strategic planning. Research, development extension and adoption. Investment in cross-sectoral research, development, adoption and agtech

Networking

Connecting people through our extensive networks in the Australian wine community. Leadership, mentoring, sponsorship, capacity building, and investing in individuals

Trusted by growers and industry

Calcaire Vineyard

“It is an extremely gratifying experience, knowing we are changing landscapes for the better and increasing the biodiversity on our properties.”

Ben Lacey, Calcaire Vineyard, McLaren Vale, SA

Starrs Reach Vineyard

“At a time when wine growers are increasingly focussed on a changing climate and their bottom line, it makes sense to harness and optimise that natural processes and assets we already have in our vineyards.”

Sheridan Alm, Starrs Reach Vineyard, Riverland, SA

The Wetland Vineyard

"As landowners it is very rewarding and gratifying knowing that we are doing something to increase the biodiversity on our property.”

Sami Gilligan, The Wetland Vineyard, McLaren Vale, SA

Bondar Vineyard

“We are excited to watch the new plants grow, increasing the biodiversity of our site, and to watch the new birds and insects that will be attracted to the area go to work.”

Andre Bondar, Bondar Vineyard, McLaren Vale, SA

Eden Hall Vineyard

“The EcoVineyards best practice management guides use a wonderful combination of personal experiences, easy to follow case studies and evidence-based science from leading practitioners. They provide a simple guide on ‘how to’ implement ecological and biological practices to restore landscape function and deliver results to viticulturist that include regenerative production and ecosystem biodiversity”

Dan Falkenberg, Eden Hall Wine, Barossa, SA

Windsong Wines

“I have never seen a program with greater interest and uptake by growers.”

Heather Webster, Windsong Wines, Langhorne Creek, SA

Tintookie Vineyards

“I cannot speak more highly of the EcoVineyards project and team and the privilege I feel having been a part of it. I have learned so much more about the ecology and interactions of plants, insects and even soil and its microbiome since beginning with EcoVineyards. It has encouraged me to read, learn and research more and be more inquisitive. After 35 years of being in the same job it has reintroduced enthusiasm back into it and I am excited about the future.”

Lulu Lunn, Tintookie Vineyards, Blewitt Springs, SA

Morella Vineyards

“The EcoVineyards program has been valuable in allowing us to develop a long-term plan to build biodiversity in the vineyard, while simultaneously improving our natural resilience to species detrimental to grape production.”

Ben Castine, Morella Vineyards Pty Ltd, Clare Valley, SA

Starrs Reach Vineyard

“The EcoVineyards program has the capacity to influence practice change in enhancing and managing biodiversity at the vineyard and regional level even in a region of scale such as the Riverland. The knowledge of Dr Mary Retallack was foundational in delivering and supporting us through the program.”

Sheridan Alm, Starrs Reach Vineyard, Riverland, SA

Eden Hall Wines

“Being part of the EcoVineyards program has provided us with long-term environmental solutions, in applying innovative and agroecological techniques that will evolve with the ever-changing climate. The use of agricultural chemicals and similar inputs has significantly reduced, though not necessarily eliminated. Consequently, our landscapes have developed diversity and resilience, further reducing our carbon footprint for agricultural inputs.”

Dan Falkenberg, Eden Hall Wines, Barossa, SA