Main points
- Viticulture in Ukraine is experiencing a crisis due to the aging of plantations and the lack of their renewal, most of which were planted in 2004-2010.
- Additional problems are caused by moisture deficit and weather stresses, which accelerate the degradation of plantations, and only 2.7% of the area is occupied by young vineyards, compared to a standard of about 5%.
Problems with viticulture in Ukraine / Photo Shutterstock
In Ukraine, problems may arise with a popular product – grapes. The fact is that industrial viticulture in the country is entering a phase of deep crisis.
What is happening to viticulture in 2026?
The reason is the aging of plantations and the lack of their renewal, as AgroTimes writes with reference to Ivan Shevchenko, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences and Professor.
The problem now is that most of the fruitful vineyards were planted in 2004-2010. As of today, they already have serious problems:
- liquefaction;
- damage to perennial wood;
- weak phytosanitary condition.
Industrial viticulture is currently in a rather deep state of crisis, and its future is poorly predicted,
– Ivan Shevchenko reported.
The situation is further worsened by the almost complete lack of planting of new areas – the share of young plantations is 2.7%, while the norm should be about 5%. And 97% are already fruitful, but old vineyards.
We should not forget the influence of climate: moisture deficit during the growing season is increasing. At the same time, weather stresses accelerate the degradation of plantations.
Taken together, these factors can lead to a rapid reduction in vineyard areas, the restoration of which requires significant investments and resources,
– the material says.
The scientist noted that the complex interaction of these factors could cause a very rapid and catastrophic reduction in the area of plantations in the coming years.
As a reminder! Since the beginning of 2026, updated rules for viticulture have been introduced in Ukraine. This was reported by the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Thus, the country has established modern requirements for grape growing, production, labeling and circulation of wine.
What else should you know about grapes?
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Recall that in early March, Ukraine planned to introduce licensing for the import of certain products from the Republic of Moldova. These include grapes, alcohol, and wine.
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At the same time, an expensive product appeared on the shelves of Ukrainian stores this year – grapes. The price of grapes was 3 thousand hryvnias per kilogram.