The head of Croatia’s Agricultural Chamber, Željko Mihelić, has called for the establishment of a robust domestic fund aimed at restructuring the agricultural sector, adapting to climate change, and enhancing competitiveness. In an open letter addressed to farmers, the public, and the government, Mihelić emphasized that this year's severe drought has once again severely impacted production, and that farmers can no longer bear the consequences of increasingly unfavorable climatic conditions alone. Mihelić warned that drought is no longer an exception but a recurring challenge, driven by changing environmental conditions. He stated that “drought is no longer a question of one bad year,” highlighting how climate change alters the very conditions under which farming takes place. According to Mihelić, these changes necessitate a shift in how agriculture is conducted, not just as a matter of ideology but as a necessity for survival. He argued that farmers cannot expect the state to finance the future of the sector while continuing to produce using outdated methods. “We must be ready to change our production methods. Change technology. Adjust production structures where necessary. Connect with each other. Process products. Store them. Irrigate where economically justified. Produce what the market can pay. And take on our share of responsibility,” he wrote. The transformation, however, requires capital, and Mihelić stressed that the goal is not merely financial support but investment in a more resilient and competitive system. In his proposal, farmers would invest their own funds and assume part of the risk, while the state would create favorable conditions and the financial system would enable the realization of such investments. Mihelić clarified that they are not seeking money because things are difficult, but rather capital because they need to adapt. “We don’t want an agriculture that waits for help every year. We want an agriculture strong enough to create value on its own, resilient enough to withstand changed conditions, and competitive enough to have a future in Croatia and Europe,” he asserted. Mihelić also highlighted the importance of irrigation, but noted that it must be economically justified. He urged that water should be directed where needed and used where it can generate economic value. “Production must create enough value so that the farmer can live off it. That is why we must start thinking differently. Not just how to produce more tons, but how to produce more value,” he added. He also raised concerns over declining food production, particularly in vegetables and dairy. Mihelić questioned whether Croatia aims to produce food for its citizens or increasingly relies on imports. He pointed to the issue of abandoned pastures and overgrown meadows, noting that reduced livestock numbers have led to loss of productive function and increased dry and woody vegetation, potential fuel for fires. While he does not claim that overgrown farmland is the cause of every fire, he argues that neglecting land that has been unused for years is irresponsible. Mihelić concluded that where natural and economic conditions allow, livestock should be reintroduced to pastures. His message underscores a broader call for systemic change within Croatian agriculture, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and adaptation to new realities.
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