Export-Oriented Wine Grape Farming promotes organic viticulture, reducing pesticide use, improving soil health, and enhancing biodiversity while aligning with EU sustainability goals.

Expanding organic-certified vineyards increases farmer incomes, supports smallholder integration into high-value markets, and creates stable rural jobs. (42)

Organic certification ensures safer, chemical-free wine production, benefiting both producers and consumers while promoting sustainable consumption practices. (3)

Increased water demand for organic viticulture may reduce resources in drought-prone parts, leading to potential conflicts over water use among farmers and local communities.

The high costs of organic certification and vineyard conversion may exclude small-scale farmers, leading to market concentration among larger producers and reducing equitable industry participation.

Seasonal labor demand in vineyards may lead to unstable employment conditions, creating income insecurity for rural workers and increasing reliance on temporary labor.

Gender inequality and/or marginalization risk: Without targeted inclusion policies, women and smallholder farmers may face barriers in accessing financing, training, and leadership roles.

If organic certification adoption is slow, conventional farming practices may persist, limiting the expected reduction in pesticide use and environmental benefits.

Limited access to financing for small-scale farmers may slow vineyard modernization, reducing the sector’s ability to scale organic viticulture and meet export demand.

If country's organic wine sector fails to differentiate itself in global markets, price competition from larger wine-producing countries may undermine profitability.

Increased climate variability (droughts, temperature fluctuations) may reduce grape yields, affecting the long-term sustainability and profitability of organic vineyards. (19)

Gender inequality and/or marginalization risk: Without targeted support, women and smallholder farmers would struggle to compete with larger enterprises, limiting their participation

Export-oriented wine grape farming transforms the wine sector by promoting organic-certified, premium viticulture, and enhancing competitiveness.

The National Development Strategy 2022-2024 prioritizes agribusiness modernization, export diversification, and sustainable agriculture, supporting investment in organic-certified viticulture. (1)

The Smart Specialization Strategy identifies wine production and agribusiness as key sectors for innovation and export growth, emphasizing organic certification, technological modernization, and value-added processing to strengthen competitiveness. (2)

The strategy on viticulture and winemaking focuses on vineyard modernization, Geographical Indications, organic certification, and export market expansion, aligning with the business model's premiumization strategy. (3)

The Export Promotion Strategy also aims to enhance country's presence by facilitating direct export contracts, branding initiatives, and streamlined certification for premium wine exports. (5)

Financial incentives: Even though the wine sector can rely solely on commercial financing, there is a possibility for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to apply for subsidized loans from the Development Bank of North Macedonia. (28)

Fiscal incentives: There is a 0% excise tax on wine sales (Art. 58 of Law of Excise Taxes). Direct payments for financial support are above 12,000 MKD for one hectare under vineyards, The amount of additional direct payments is >28,000 MKD per hectare, or above 48,000 MKD per hectare, for family farms. (9)

The Law on Wine regulates quality standards, production practices, and Geographical Indication labeling, which are essential for enhancing the competitiveness and export potential of wine grape farming. (4)

Law on Excise Taxes provides for a 0% excise tax on wines to encourage the wine sector growth. (6)

The Law on Organic Agricultural Production sets the legal framework for certification, labeling, and compliance, enabling organic wine grape farmers in North Macedonia to access premium export markets and meet international standards. (7)

The Law on Agriculture and Rural Development establishes the framework for planning, supporting, and regulating agricultural activities, including measures that enhance the competitiveness of export-oriented sectors like wine grape farming. (8)

The regulation on detailed criteria for direct payments to agricultural producers of grapes stipulates the criteria for eligibility and amount of financial support for wine producers. (9)

Bovin, Tikveš, Kamnik, Stobi, Chateau Sopot are leading wineries investing in premium, organic, and export-driven wine production in North Macedonia

Government: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water, State Inspectorate for Agriculture, Agency for Financial Support to Agriculture and Rural Development

The European Union (IPARD 3 2021-2027),EBRD provide funding, technical assistance, and policy alignment for sustainable viticulture and organic certification.

Slow Food Macedonia and the Wine Association of North Macedonia promote sustainable viticulture, organic practices, and Geographical Indications to enhance market access.