JemsThe opening conference for Project ADAPTVitis (Adaptation of Viticulture to Climate Change through the Valorisation and Implementation of Adaptable Grapevine Genotypes) was held at the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences in Osijek on 10 July 2024.
In their opening addresses, Dr. Toni Kujundžić (Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek) and Prof. Dragoslav Ivanišević (Faculty of Agriculture Novi Sad) emphasized the common challenge this cross-border project addresses: the vulnerability of viticulture in Eastern Continental Croatia and Western Serbia to climate change, particularly drought stress. Drought stress poses a direct threat to grapevines, impacting their growth, development, and yield. Insufficient water availability due to changing climatic conditions can lead to reduced vine productivity and diminished grape quality.
Project managers announced the construction and establishment of two centres aimed at preventing the negative impacts of climate change on viticulture in both regions. These centres, funded by the project, will be crucial for systematically monitoring climate conditions and fostering research into drought-resistant vine cultivars. The modern, technologically advanced centres will significantly contribute to viticulture and winemaking by serving as hubs for research, training students, young researchers, winegrowers, and winemakers.
The opening conference was attended by Mr Domagoj Mikulić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds, Mr Mihajlo Dašić, Assistant Minister for European Integration in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Krunoslav Zmaić, Dean of the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences in Osijek, and Ms Mirjana Đukić Stojčić, Vice Dean for Education at the partner Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad, along with other interested parties.
