Adaptation options in agriculture and hop farming for the Ústí region, Czech Republic

Ústí region lies in Northwest Bohemia and shares border with Germany. It is one of the most densely populated regions in the Czech Republic, with tradition in industrial and agricultural production. Concerning the agricultural sector, hop cultivation is a traditional agricultural production activity in the region, comprising more than 73% of the total hop planting area in the Czech Republic. Based on the climate scenarios for the period 2051-2100, hop yield will decline up to 7-10% and a quality determinant, α-acid content, will decline by 13-32%. The concentration of hop cultivation in a comparatively small part of the Czech Republic makes it more vulnerable than if the crop were grown in more areas with different climates. Ústí region together with South Moravia is located in the temperate climate zone, being one of the driest areas in the Czech Republic with yearly precipitation approximately 450 mm. The aim of this study is to investigate suitable and sustainable adaptation measures and strategies in the agricultural (particularly hop growing) and water management sectors to deal with changing climate (mainly water availability), while incorporating perceptions of local stakeholders. Further, this study strived to investigate perceptions of local stakeholders towards climate change (in particular drought) as well as preferences towards suitable adaptation measures and strategies in the agricultural sector.