Dramatic announcement by the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture: The situation is alarming

The situation in Croatian agriculture has reached a critical point, according to a recent statement issued by the Croatian Agricultural Chamber (HPK). The chamber warns that current conditions in crop farming are alarming, primarily due to the low purchase prices for cereals, which have left farmers operating at a loss. This assessment comes after a meeting held on Friday in Osijek, where representatives from various agricultural organizations and government bodies convened to address the growing concerns within the sector.

During the meeting, participants highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes aimed at enhancing competitiveness and protecting domestic primary production. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, cereal buyers, the Croatian Business Chamber (HGK), and the Croatian Association of Employers (HUP). The HPK expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current purchasing prices available on the domestic market, noting that these prices are 30 percent lower than those found on the Paris exchange. Such a disparity places Croatia at the bottom of the European Union in terms of cereal purchase prices.

According to an analysis conducted by the Faculty of Agrobiosystems in Osijek, domestic producers are currently experiencing direct losses ranging between 30 and 40 euros per hectare. Additional calculations from the Croatian Agronomic Society suggest even higher losses, estimating around 75 euros per hectare. Cereal buyers, as noted by the HPK, independently set their prices based on business capabilities and market dynamics. Despite this variability, all participants at the meeting agreed that stronger farmer cooperation and new investments in processing are essential for the future stability and growth of domestic production.

Given that this issue escalates annually just before harvest time, the HPK has called upon the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to implement long-term measures without delay. These proposed actions include investments in processing and storage capacities, along with increased engagement in economic diplomacy to open new export markets for Croatian cereals. The HPK emphasized the necessity of immediate and concrete action from the industry, stating that it will present a comprehensive package of measures for revitalizing crop production in Croatia within 30 days. Following this, the proposed measures will be formally submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and made public.

The crisis in crop farming underscores broader challenges facing Croatian agriculture, including fluctuating global commodity prices and internal policy responses. As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders remain focused on finding sustainable solutions that ensure both the viability of local farms and the competitiveness of Croatian agricultural products in international markets. With the upcoming submission of the HPK's proposals, attention will shift toward how these strategies might be implemented and whether they can effectively address the pressing issues confronting the sector.

The call for stronger collaboration among farmers and increased investment in processing infrastructure highlights a shared understanding among all parties involved that structural reforms are necessary to secure the future of Croatian agriculture. While the specifics of the proposed measures have yet to be fully detailed, the consensus appears clear—only through collective effort and strategic planning can the challenges currently faced by the sector be adequately addressed. As the HPK moves forward with its plans, the response from the government and other relevant institutions will be crucial in determining the success of these initiatives.

In light of the ongoing discussions and the urgency expressed by the HPK, the coming weeks will likely see intensified efforts to develop and implement effective policies. The focus will remain on ensuring that domestic agricultural production remains viable and competitive, while also addressing the underlying factors contributing to the current crisis. With the support of various stakeholders, there is hope that meaningful progress can be achieved in safeguarding the interests of Croatian farmers and promoting the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.