PP Orahovica, which operates within the Agro Invest Group, is implementing a new vineyard restructuring project worth €560,000. The project is being carried out on a total of 19 hectares in the area of Orahovica, across two locations: Velike Leđine and Krčenik.
The project involves the replacement of varieties and a change in the density of the vine plantings. Graševina, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon varieties are being planted, with the changes made in response to market demands. Previously, the vineyards had approximately 4,000 vines per hectare in a double guyot system, whereas the new plantings are being established with approximately 6,000 plants per hectare in a single guyot system.
The investment is being implemented through intervention 58.1.a.01: Restructuring and conversion of vineyards, a measure from the Strategic Plan of the Republic of Croatia, which provides up to 75 per cent in grants for the replacement of varieties, changes in planting density, and the application of modern agricultural technologies in vineyards. The investment is co-financed with 75 per cent of funds from the Wine Fund. Support from the wine fund ranges from 50 to 75 per cent, whereas intervention 73.10 for investments in agriculture offers support of 40 to 45 per cent.
Ksenija Vukman, director for EU funds, support, and agricultural land at Agro Invest Group, highlighted the importance of such investments for the further development of viticulture. PP Orahovica has 161 hectares of vineyards, and 95 hectares have been restored through the measure for the reconstruction and conversion of vineyards from the wine fund. A further 50 hectares are planned for renewal, with the older plantations having approximately 3,500 vines per hectare, while the new ones are being established with approximately 6,000 plants per hectare.
Nikola Antunović, head of viticulture production at PP Orahovica, stated that the project includes drip irrigation and the purchase and installation of two meteorological stations. These will monitor rainfall, temperature, and soil and air moisture, as well as wind direction and speed. The investment also includes equipment for hail protection.
In the previous programming period, PP Orahovica invested a total of €1.44 million, with an average support rate of 60 per cent. The new project continues the trend of modernising viticulture in the region of Orahovica.
