Glasnik Zaštite Bilja, Vol. 47. No. 4., 2024.
Review article
Regional characteristics of grape production in the Republic of Croatia
Ivan Prša
; Hrvatska agencija za poljoprivredu i hranu, Centar za vinogradarstvo, vinarstvo i uljarstvo, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Darko Cenbauer
; Hrvatska agencija za poljoprivredu i hranu, Centar za vinogradarstvo, vinarstvo i uljarstvo, Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
Ivo Grgić
; Zavod za agrarnu ekonomiku i ruralni razvoj, Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The paper investigates the regional aspect of grape production on family farms in the Republic of Croatia. Croatia is a geographically, climatically and pedologically heterogeneous production area divided into four winegrowing regions and 12 subregions. This approach is a good basis for a new agricultural policy that deviates from horizontal towards targeted measures. The authors investigate the geographical distribution of grape production by wine-growing regions, sub-regions and their associated vineyards, which, with their specificities, significantly affect grape production, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is one of the most important agricultural crops, but also one of the most widespread fruit species in Croatia, especially on family farms. The research shows that climate changes, such as an increase in average air temperature, changes in the distribution and amount of precipitation, and increasingly frequent extremes, greatly affect wine production in all wine-growing regions of Croatia. A special challenge for future production will be the average age of the owners of family farms, the age structure of vineyard plantations, negative demographic changes and high competition on the market. As a future opportunity for viticulture and winemaking, it is offered through the promotion of a wide range of wines produced from autochthonous vine cultivars and stronger development of rural tourism.
Keywords
grapes; wine; regionalization; Croatia; family farms
Hrčak ID:
319521
URI
Publication date:
15.7.2024.
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