Slovenia produces only a third of the vegetables it needs, farmers warn of too low purchase prices

Slovenia produces only a third of the vegetables it consumes, with farmers warning of low purchase prices. Despite efforts to increase domestic production, the country remains heavily reliant on imports for fruits and vegetables. Farmers face challenges beyond unfavorable weather conditions, including difficulties selling their produce at fair prices. During an event held on World Food Day, organized by the Slovenian Agricultural and Forestry Association (KGZS), farmers highlighted the need for greater investments in agricultural infrastructure and closer collaboration among producers, food industry, and retailers. Ahead of World Food Day on October 15, the International Day of the Farmer was marked by KGZS and the Union of Slovenian Farmers, who emphasized that work done by women on family farms often goes undervalued. Jože Podgoršek, president of KGZS, noted that despite efforts to increase the presence of locally produced goods on supermarket shelves, there is a counter-trend. He stated that food of Slovenian origin is gradually losing space in stores, while farmers still face a key issue, how to sell their products at a price that allows them to sustain their businesses economically. According to Podgoršek, long-term food security requires more than increased agricultural production; it necessitates ensuring the entire food chain functions, from farms and processing industries to traders and consumers. Statistics from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia show that Slovenia produces only 32 percent of the vegetables it consumes, 34 percent of potatoes, and 21 percent of fruit. The situation is better regarding meat, with self-sufficiency reaching 85 percent, and grains at 74 percent. Podgoršek believes that plant production offers the greatest opportunities for improving food security. However, increasing domestic production would require appropriate conditions, particularly irrigation systems, protection nets against hail, and systems to protect against pests and diseases. The necessity of such investments was underscored this year due to drought conditions affecting farmers. Without suitable infrastructure, it is difficult to ensure stable production and reliable supply for shops. In addition to weather conditions, natural limitations affect the extent of domestic production, as much of Slovenia’s farmland lies on hilly areas and slopes where modern machinery is difficult to use. Additional challenges include the seasonality of production and competition from imported fruits and vegetables, mainly from countries like Italy and Spain. Slovenian farmers thus struggle to compete with foreign suppliers, especially outside the main growing season. Maribor farmer Jože Horvat, who grows vegetables on 20 hectares, emphasized that modern irrigation systems and additional greenhouses could extend the growing season. Vegetables could then be grown earlier in spring and supplied even during winter months. Horvat sees the advantage of Slovenian produce in shorter transportation routes and limited use of phytosanitary products. Podgoršek urged consumers to choose locally produced food and pointed out that less antibiotics are used in Slovenian livestock farming compared to many countries from which Slovenia imports food, and fewer protective agents and fertilizers are used in plant production. Meanwhile, while KGZS highlights the decreasing presence of local food on store shelves, Spar Slovenia presents a different picture. Uroš Lozej, executive director of commerce, stated that in the first nine months of this year, Spar purchased 16,000 tons of fruits and vegetables from Slovenian producers, 1,100 tons more than in the same period last year. Citing an analysis from a supply chain relationship guardian, Lozej claimed that Spar has the largest share of food products of Slovenian origin among retailers. On the topic of fruits and vegetables, the company continues Over 400 representatives of European farmers and agricultural cooperatives gathered in Stockholm for the 12th Congress of European Farmers, hosted by the Swedish Farmers' Federation. Organized every two years by Copa-Cogeca, the umbrella organization of European farmers' organizations and cooperatives, the congress took place amid rising uncertainty. Attendees warned that European agriculture is nearing a critical point and called for a strong, unified, and adequately funded Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The congress occurred in a tense atmosphere, with destructive weather phenomena from last summer revealing the vulnerability of European agricultural production. Meanwhile, wars, trade tensions, and increasing geopolitical instability have shaken world markets and intensified economic pressure on farmers and cooperatives. The future direction of European agricultural policy remains unclear, and proposals for its reform are deemed unacceptable by farming organizations. European farmers reject the weakening of the Common Agricultural Policy. Attendees clearly warned the European Commission that it does not consider their demands for a strong, truly common, and adequately funded CAP. The red thread of the meeting was the firm rejection of the European Commission’s proposals for future arrangements and funding of agriculture. "The current proposals for the EU’s future budget and the Common Agricultural Policy threaten the scope of funds, the common nature, and the predictability of European agricultural policy, precisely at a time when farmers need stability and a clear long-term perspective," was one of the key messages of the congress. At the end of the congress, representatives of European farmers and cooperatives adopted the Stockholm Declaration, a joint political appeal to European leaders to recognize the severity of the situation and make decisive strategic decisions for the future of European agriculture. The declaration warns that proposals for the future multiannual financial framework of the EU and reforms to the CAP do not threaten Customers complain about high prices, while farmers receive less for their produce. Food today is three times more expensive than five years ago. Yet, while customers highlight high prices, farmers say they are receiving less for their products. At Ljubljana’s market, some prices have decreased due to an abundant autumn offering. How can food remain so expensive?