ISHS Acta Horticulturae 104: Symposium on Vineyards in the year 2000, XX IHC
VINEYARDS IN THE YEAR 2000: SOCIO-ECONOMIC PRESSURES |
| Authors: | I.R. Lewis, G.F. Thiele |
| Abstract:
A review of the world viticultural situation is provided along with information on consumption trends in wine and other grape products as a basis for considering the future. Emphasis is placed on socio-economic factors affecting the vineyard. Countries vary widely in per capita wine consumption from over 100 litres in France and Italy to less than 10 litres in the U.S.A. Sudden changes in consumer preferences from red to white wines are discussed. This can have a devastating effect on the individual vineyard in the absence of adequate market research. This emphasizes the need to develop a communication system within viticulture as a whole so that the vineyard can adjust to the changing socio-economic pressures. The average vineyard in the future is likely to increase in size with the technological changes of mechanization. Social effects of this on communities and on organizational structure of the vineyard are detailed although developments are likely to differ between capitalist and socialist economies. Mechanized production and harvesting will continue to reduce the labour input, particularly where wage structures are comparatively high. Small vineyards may be forced into a cooperative situation to share the increasing capital costs. Improved business management skills will be required along with increasing use of service from outside the vineyard. Government involvement will be important in price support and financial assistance for redevelopment and to impose production controls, import regulations, appellation controls and to guide land ownership policies. | |
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