ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF GRAPE PRODUCTION IN MACEDONIA: THE CASE OF THE SMEDEREVKA VARIETY
Keywords:
economic analysis, production, grapes, the Smederevka variety, profitability.Abstract
In the Republic of North Macedonia are 1,265 thousand hectares of agricultural land, of which about 520 thousand hectares are arable land. Of the total arable land, arable land and gardens account for 80%, meadows for 12%, vineyards for 5% and orchards for 3%. In the area under vineyards, wine varieties account for 70%, of which white varieties account for 40% and red varieties for 60% (State Statistical Office, 2025). The most common white varieties are: Smederevka, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon, and the most common red varieties are: Vranec, Kratošija, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The subject of research in this paper is the production of grapes, the Smederevka variety. The aim of the research is to analyze the results and economic justification of the production of the mentioned grape variety. Data were collected through a survey of 30 grape producers from the Vardar region. The data collected through the survey were processed using the Excel software package. Descriptive statistics indicators were also used. The results of the analysis indicate that the average yield of the Smederevka variety is 18,833 kg/ha, and the average total income is 293,937 denars. In the total income, income from the sale of grapes accounts for 73%, subsidies per area account for 14%, and subsidies per delivered quantities of grapes account for 13%. The average yield rate is 45%, and the average yield threshold is 17,055 kg/ha. The cost price of grapes is the lowest among producers with larger plantings, and they also achieve better operational results. Smaller producers should focus on association, consolidation, and modernization of their capacities, along with continuous education.
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