The report presents data collected from vineyard and winery members of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand - one of the first and world-leading sustainability programmes in the international wine sector.

The Sustainability Report highlights actions undertaken by the wine industry such as enhancing biodiversity, reducing and recycling by-products, optimising water and energy use, investing in people, protecting soil, and reducing agrichemical use.

"In 2016, 98 per cent of New Zealand's vineyard area was certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and around 7 per cent of vineyards operated under certified organic programmes," said Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.

"Wine producers from north to south are committed to protecting the unique places that make New Zealand's famous wines. The report illustrates the widespread participation in Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and highlights some of the direct benefits of the programme."

Read more at source: The Country