State of and Conditions for Viticulture Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

This paper presents the state-of-the-art of viticulture development in BiH. Research is based on the extensive literature review. A number of secondary data sources have been consulted. Viticulture in BiH is characterized by the dominance of small family owned vineyards (up to 2 ha). In older plantations there are mainly autochthonous cultivars while in new vineyards there is a modern cultivar assortment. Although BiH has a good potential and excellent conditions for viticulture, wine imports are almost five times higher than exports. Therefore, there is a need for better cooperation of professional, scientific and government institutions with grapevine growers and wineries in order to modernize production process. This cooperation is essential especially in organizing the production of virus-free propagation material, during the introduction of new cultivars and for preserving autochthonous varieties in the vineyards of BiH.