ESTIMATION OF THE RATE OF RETURN TO WINE GRAPE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURES IN SOUTH AFRICA / BEPALING VAN DIE OPBRENGSKOERS VAN NAVORSING EN TEGNOLOGIE-ONTWIKKELING IN DIE WYNDRUIFINDUSTRIE

Abstract

This article evaluates the impact of research and technology development in the wine grape industry in order to determine the rate of return (ROR) to these investments, and to make specific recommendations on funding. The analysis illustrates the applied and adaptive nature of the research conducted in the industry, with RORs of roughly 40 percent for R&D and extension. This is high, providing excellent motivation for increased investment in R&D.