This year, “13. Jul-Plantaže” has faced unexpected weather conditions that significantly impacted their production schedule. A mild winter and unusually warm April accelerated vine growth, while heavy rains in May, far exceeding average levels, presented serious challenges in vineyard protection. Despite these difficulties, the harvest began earlier than ever, offering hope for a successful season.
Although the weather issues have left their mark, the current state of the vineyards is promising. Plantaže reports that, despite the challenges, they are prepared to handle this year’s harvest with the expected high quality standards.
Weather conditions
According to “13. Jul-Plantaže,” the combination of an unusually mild winter and above-average temperatures in April led to an early start in vine growth. May presented particular challenges, with 15 days of precipitation. The Podgorica area received 144 mm of rain in May, 57 percent above the climatic norm.
“Despite the weather difficulties, the current state of the vines indicates good quality and yield potential. We expect favorable weather conditions until the end of September, when we plan to complete the grape harvest. Until then, it’s challenging to predict quantities,” the company stated.
They also noted that climate change and adverse weather, especially during key growth stages, have led to reduced yields in previous years.
“We hope this year will be different and that weather conditions will favor Montenegrin farmers. We experienced two hail events in May in some micro-locations, causing certain damage. We have taken all necessary agronomic measures, including treatments to heal berry wounds and recover leaf mass,” Plantaže added.
Additionally, a severe storm on July 2, with wind speeds reaching 80 to 100 km/h, caused some damage to peach and nectarine crops, particularly those in the intensive ripening phase.
“The damage included tree injuries and fruit loss, which will result in slightly lower yields,” Plantaže noted.
Harvesting
The harvest of table grapes began on July 4 with the Cardinal variety, covering 100 hectares. Due to the earlier start of vine vegetation, the harvest of Chardonnay grapes also began about fifteen days earlier than last year. The potential yield for wine grapes is more than satisfactory, and with adequate labor and favorable weather, the harvest is expected to be completed by the end of September.
“This year, we haven’t observed any unusual changes in grape growth or yield, apart from typical annual variations. The vineyard is currently in a very satisfactory state regarding both vegetative growth and yield potential. We recorded the earliest peach and nectarine harvest in our company’s history, starting on May 11, nearly 18 days earlier than previous years. May’s rains somewhat complicated the harvest, but the quality of this year’s crop remains among the best in recent years. The harvest is ongoing, and if the weather remains favorable, it should conclude by mid-August. Expected yields may be slightly lower than last year’s due to the July 2 storm, but the quality of the fruit is more than satisfactory, which was our primary goal,” Plantaže emphasized. They also expressed satisfaction with the sales prices of peaches and nectarines, which are similar to last year’s average.
Price adjustments
“Despite this year’s different market conditions, with increased imports of this fruit from EU countries and neighboring regions, it hasn’t significantly affected price adjustments or sales. Plantaže continues to be recognized as a domestic producer of high-quality fruit, consistent year after year,” the company stated.
They also highlighted the ongoing challenge of securing seasonal labor.
“Currently, approximately 220 seasonal workers are employed across our plantations, with 40 percent being local and 60 percent foreign. We are in negotiations with workers from neighboring countries and agencies to secure labor for upcoming tasks. Our priority remains hiring local workers, and we encourage them to apply for seasonal positions with us. Wages are performance-based, with daily rates ranging from 25 to 30 euros, and experienced workers can earn up to 50 euros per day. A significant benefit for non-resident workers includes provided accommodation and meals, while workers from Podgorica receive one meal. For mechanical harvesting, we have acquired two additional harvesters this year, bringing our fleet to a total of six, allowing us to enter the harvest season better prepared,” Plantaže concluded.
