Minister Cigler stressed the importance of preventive measures to combat drought

The severe drought has caused widespread damage to agricultural production across Slovenia, with some areas reporting losses of up to 90 percent of their harvest. Farmers are awaiting government assistance as they struggle to recover from the devastating effects of the dry summer. The situation has prompted urgent discussions among officials and industry representatives, who are calling for immediate financial support and long-term preventive measures. According to reports from local media, the impact of the drought varies significantly by crop type. Wheat yields are expected to drop by up to 50 percent, while corn could suffer losses of up to 90 percent. Potatoes face losses ranging from 30 to 90 percent, and olive groves have also been heavily affected, with initial estimates suggesting damage exceeding half of the total yield. The crisis extends beyond traditional crops, affecting fruit farming, viticulture, and vegetable cultivation. Consequences are also visible in aquaculture and forestry, where water scarcity has led to reduced productivity and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Minister for Agriculture Janez Cigler Kralj described the drought as a major disaster for both farmers and the country. He emphasized that the current conditions represent a critical threat to food security, as agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for many rural communities. “This is a catastrophe for farmers and the state,” he stated during an interview with public broadcaster RTV Slovenija. “The loss of income will lead to higher prices and greater dependence on imported food.” To address the immediate crisis, Minister Cigler announced that intervention measures would be taken, including direct financial aid to affected farmers. He confirmed that the process for reimbursing damages from last year’s drought and frost had already begun, with payments starting in August. These funds amount to 8.5 million euros and are intended to alleviate the consequences of this year's drought. Additionally, the ministry plans to request further funding from the European Union’s agricultural reserve to cover costs related to heatwaves, early spring droughts, and other extreme weather events. Despite these efforts, there is still a one-year delay before farmers receive compensation for the damage they suffered this year. This delay is attributed to the need for statistical office evaluations of previous years' agricultural product values. However, the minister acknowledged that steps were being taken to expedite the process. Two potential solutions were proposed: either adjusting the value based on inflation or issuing advance payments followed by detailed calculations once official figures are available. He expressed a preference for the latter approach, which allows for quicker disbursement of funds. In addition to immediate relief, Minister Cigler stressed the importance of preventive measures, particularly the expansion and maintenance of irrigation systems. He noted that the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning has initiated proposals aimed at streamlining the bureaucratic procedures for placing agricultural facilities in designated spaces. This effort is designed to reduce delays and make it easier for small landowners to access subsidies and incentives for irrigation infrastructure. Farmers, however, remain skeptical about the effectiveness of current policies. Many argue that despite repeated promises, investment in irrigation systems has not kept pace with growing climate challenges. Bojan Cajhen, a member of the Slovenian Agricultural and Forestry Association (KGZS) board, pointed out that more decisive action is needed to ensure the sustainability of agricultural activities under increasingly erratic weather patterns. He suggested that the government must provide stronger support to prevent future crises. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has scheduled a field visit to affected regions in the coming week, led by Minister Cigler himself. During this visit, officials plan to assess the extent of the damage and gather firsthand insights into the challenges faced by farmers. The ministry has also pledged to collaborate with non-governmental organizations and industry groups to develop comprehensive strategies for long-term resilience against climate-related risks. As the situation continues to unfold, the government faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible results. With the upcoming harvest season looming, the need for swift and effective interventions has never been more urgent. Whether the planned measures will be sufficient to mitigate the damage remains to be seen, but the commitment to addressing the crisis appears to be firmly established.