THE ROLE OF THE VITICULTURE AND WINE SECTOR IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE AGRO-FOOD ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM NORTH MACEDONIA

Aleksandra  Angeleska; Blagica Sekovska; Igor Esmerov; Elizabeta Dimitrieska Stojkovic; Risto Uzunov

doi:10.59267/ekoPolj2603959A

Authors

Aleksandra Angeleska Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, Skopje, North Macedonia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7109-2681
Blagica Sekovska Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, Skopje, North Macedonia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3529-418X
Igor Esmerov Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, Skopje, North Macedonia https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5320-0441
Elizabeta Dimitrieska Stojkovic Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, Skopje, North Macedonia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8315-5267
Risto Uzunov Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, Skopje, North Macedonia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4901-1312

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59267/ekoPolj2603959A

Keywords:

viticulture, wine production, rural development, agro-food economy, agroforestry, North Macedonia, wine tourism, organic viticulture

Abstract

Viticulture and wine production represent a strategicallyimportant segment of the agri-food economy of NorthMacedonia, combining economic, social and territorialfunctions. This paper analyses the structural characteristics,economic performance and developmental role of the viticultureand wine sector, with particular emphasis on its contributionto rural development, exports and land use sustainability. Thestudy is based on the analysis of secondary data obtained fromthe State Statistical Office of the Republic of North Macedonia,complemented by policy documents and relevant scientificliterature. The results indicate that the sector plays a significantrole in agricultural output and export performance, accountingfor a substantial share of agri-food exports and providingincome for approximately 20,000 rural households. Thepaper concludes that viticulture and winemaking function as apermanent agricultural system with relevance for agroforestryand sustainable land-use frameworks.

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