RISKS IN GRAPES PRODUCING AND ALTERNATIVE RISK MANAGEMENT FOR VITICULTURISTS: A STUDY CASE FROM AZERBAIJAN

Every activity and fruit production of viticulture farms always brings risks. It is therefore important to develop a risk management system that allows for the identification, assessment and minimization of threats to the production of grape products. The organization of such a system requires a detailed analysis and systematization of the risk factors affecting the viticulture-wine-making activity. Reducing and managing risks is possible by knowing the risk factors and the rules of behavior with the risks. Preventive measures taken to manage the risks that may arise, in addition to the protection of the grape plant, will also create the conditions for increasing the product quality and increasing the yield. The purpose of this study is to examine the different risk sources encountered in grape growing, to reveal different risk management strategies that can be carried out by growers, and to compare and evaluate these aspects of grape growing in Azerbaijan with examples from different countries. The main material of the study consists of the data obtained from FAO, The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the results obtained from previous researches on the subject. The collected statistical data were arranged in the form of tables and figures and interpreted by making percentage and index calculations. Risk management in grape production depends on the values, knowledge, past experience, financial obligations of the growers, and the magnitude of potential gains or losses associated with any particular risk.