Why Croatia is importing more food than ever before

Croatia has seen a dramatic increase in food imports since joining the European Union in 2013. According to recent data, the country imported €6 billion worth of food in 2024, a stark rise from €2 billion just over a decade ago.

This surge places Croatia among the top food importers within the EU, prompting concerns from agricultural experts and industry leaders.

The most significant increases are seen in key food sectors. Meat imports rose from 99,000 tonnes in 2013 to 180,000 tonnes in 2024.

Imports of bread and bakery products more than doubled from 95,000 tonnes to 202,000 tonnes, while imports of milk and dairy products increased from 187,000 tonnes to 340,000 tonnes during the same period.

Mladen Jakopović, president of the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture, addressed the issue in an interview with national broadcaster HRT during the evening news Dnevnik, explaining that the situation stems from both production challenges and market dynamics.

“Farmer incomes are shrinking, which has led many to give up on production. But the issue is more complex than just that,” Jakopović told HRT.

He pointed to two primary factors behind the decline: unresolved land ownership issues affecting primary agricultural production, and the weaker position of producers and processors in the market chain.

“In terms of primary production, one of the biggest problems is the disorganised state of land ownership – both state and private. Inheritance laws are outdated and difficult to amend. Private plots are often too small to be viable for farming, and the cost of consolidating them is extremely high,” he explained.

On the market side, Jakopović noted that domestic producers and processors are the weakest links in the supply chain.

“Statistical analysis shows that most of the agricultural products we import come from countries where the major retail chains are based,” he added.

He also raised concerns about the quality of imported goods, particularly meat, suggesting that domestically produced meat is likely fresher and of better quality than products that have been transported over long distances.

“A piece of meat slaughtered yesterday in a Croatian abattoir is simply not the same as something that’s been travelling for days, weeks or even months. Every consumer can taste the difference,” he said.

To reverse the trend, Jakopović called for stronger national subsidies and more robust protection of domestic production. He also encouraged Croatian consumers to play their part.

“We must all rethink our shopping habits. Looking at where a product comes from and choosing domestic can help strengthen local production. In the end, that means food will become more accessible and affordable for everyone,” he concluded.