SAJAMSKI RADIO - CroAGRO

Guest CroAGROHosted by Boris ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026

CroAGRO

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

The CroAGRO fair marks a significant return for Croatian agriculture, a sector grappling with both immense potential and persistent challenges. After a fifteen-year hiatus for major agricultural trade shows, this event brings together farmers, innovators, and policymakers to confront the realities of modern food production. While the Ministry of Agriculture highlights substantial EU funding for rural development and direct farmer subsidies, the conversations on the ground reveal a complex landscape. Producers like Đuro Hercegovac, discussing natural soil detoxifiers, and Matija Brkanac, advocating for organic fertilizers, underscore the urgent need for sustainable practices in the face of soil degradation and chemical oversaturation. This episode offers a direct look at the technologies, policies, and market dynamics shaping Croatia's agricultural future, making clear that the path forward requires a blend of innovation, strategic investment, and a hard look at market realities.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

CroAGRO's return after a fifteen-year break for major agricultural fairs highlights the enduring importance of physical gatherings for an industry. When an entire sector reconvenes after such a long absence, it signals a collective need to reconnect, share innovations, and address challenges face-to-face.

Minister Marija Vučković's report that Croatia has contracted 75% of its €2.4 billion rural development funds – backing nearly 5,000 small business projects and 400 young farmer initiatives – shows how critical EU subsidies are for modernizing and enabling new entrants in agriculture. Direct financial support and structural aid often define the operational viability for many farmers.

Đuro Hercegovac's description of zeolite as nature's "best detoxifier" for binding aflatoxins in animal feed, regulating soil pH, and retaining moisture for plants, illustrates how single natural mineral solutions can address multiple agricultural challenges, from animal health to soil regeneration. Sometimes the most effective answers come from the earth itself.

Hercegovac notes that farmers predominantly use zeolite *after* a problem arises with livestock toxins or soil issues, rather than as a preventative measure. Despite clear long-term benefits, the adoption of preventative solutions often lags behind reactive problem-solving, indicating a need for greater awareness or a shift in operational mindset.

Hercegovac states that farmers are now "forced to use zeolite" because they've degraded humus with excessive artificial fertilizers and lack natural manure. The long-term consequences of conventional farming practices are creating a forced market for restorative natural products, turning ecological repair into an economic necessity.

The observation that Croatian farmers cannot export to certain EU countries until local stock is depleted, yet Croatia imports everything "without any control," reveals a significant imbalance. Unbalanced trade regulations and lax import standards can severely disadvantage domestic producers, even within a supposedly common market.

Matija Brkanac of Sim Gro explains that Agri Italia shifted to organic fertilizer production 35 years ago because they realized soils were "destroyed and oversaturated" with chemicals." A long-term view of soil health, rather than short-term yield, often drives innovation towards sustainable, organic solutions.

Brkanac also points out that farmers "turn to new trends" like organic fertilizers because they "look at their profit," aiming for more yield with less input. Even in traditional sectors, the shift to sustainable practices is frequently driven by economic incentives and a focus on efficiency, not solely by environmentalism.

For Croatian agriculture, Brkanac identifies the main problem as "finding a market for end products" domestically, rather than abroad. For many local farmers, securing reliable domestic market access and efficient distribution channels are more critical challenges than pursuing export opportunities.

Nives Vinceković Buder of Hanna Instruments highlights that small farmers (OPG-ovi) are increasingly investing in precision agriculture tools like pH meters for soil analysis and photometers for nutrient testing. This adoption shows that even at a smaller scale, farmers recognize the direct link between data, maximizing yields, and optimizing input costs.

Explore further

ScenariosBusiness challenges CardsEducational cards TimelineTopic evolution