INCOME FROM VINEYARD FARMS ACCORDING TO ECONOMIC SIZE IN SELECTED EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES

The wine sector is of great importance for many national economies of EU countries. The European Union is a world leader in area under grape cultivation and wine production. The goal of the paper was to determine the profitability of farms specializing in winegrape production depending on economic size in selected EU countries in the years 2004-2016. In addition, the level of farm income per 1 ha of viticulture was determined, as well as the level of family income and the share of total subsidies in total income. Overall, it was found that there was an increase in income, however income increased along with economic size. In the examined period, growth was only observed from the fourth economic class (EUR 50-100 thousand). Additionally, the share of income subsidies under CAP decreased along with economic size. The conducted research gave light to information that could prove vital to adapt the European vineyard and wine sector to the opportunities and needs of the market, namely by taking into account the links between economies of scale and economies of scope.