Agriculture: 2024 Grape Production In Southern Romania May Drop Due To Climate

Harvesting has started much earlier in most of the country’s vineyards and, according to official estimates, it is possible that the total production of grapes in 2024 will have a notable decrease in the southern part of the country, according to specialists.   According to the National Institute of Statistics, in 2023, compared to the previous year, grape production increased by 9.7%, as a result of the increase in the yield per hectare (+7.6%), but also the cultivated area by 1.9 %.   According to the International Office of Vine and Wine (OIV), in 2023, Romania managed to maintain its position as the sixth wine producer in Europe, despite unfavorable weather conditions. Moreover, our country recorded a production of 4.6 million hectoliters, up 21% compared to the previous year and 4% above the average of the last 5 years, thus consolidating its status as an important player on the European wine market.   In a recent report, it is mentioned that Romania is the fourth largest wine-growing area in the EU, with 178,198 ha, for which a decrease of the areas in 2023, of 0.5%, was reported. Regarding wine consumption, worldwide, the OIV estimated for 2023 more than 221 million hectoliters of wine, marking a decrease of 2.6% compared to 2022, the lowest volume recorded since 1996. The same institution mentions that Romania recorded a significant increase for wine consumption, of 3 million hectoliters for 2023, with a 20% increase in wine consumption levels.   Wine producers convened last week within an informal event organized by Revino and CrameRomania.ro, discussing the challenges of this year, production and future plans, especially in the current climate context.   “The grape harvest has always been a reason for reunion and celebration, and our meeting with local producers in the Cram Romania project represents union, socialization, celebration. Although it was a difficult year due to the drought, we stay together and continue promoting Romanian wine”, said Alina Iancu, founder of Revino and CrameRomania.ro.   “2024 is a very difficult year, it is a year with drought, with pedological drought, with very low productions, we have decreased productions up to 70%, we have an imbalance in regarding the accumulation of sugars, we have an accelerated accumulation of sugars and an accelerated decrease in acidity”,  Aurelia Vi?inescu, winery owner and oenologist also said.