Croatia proposes increased sugar beet subsidies and new agricultural protections

The Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has introduced three legislative proposals aimed at supporting the agricultural and fisheries sectors. These measures are currently undergoing public consultation.

One key proposal involves increasing annual subsidies for sugar beet producers for the years 2026 and 2027, raising the amount from 1.3 million to 2 million euros. This adjustment increases the total five-year program value to 7.9 million euros. Specifically, support for areas up to 40 hectares will rise from 530 to 720 euros per hectare, while support for areas between 40.01 and 100 hectares will increase from 330 to 620 euros per hectare.

A second measure allocates 100,000 euros for 2026 to support producer groups in creating or modifying specifications for protected designations of origin, protected geographical indications, and guaranteed traditional specialties. This program aims to cover up to 80 percent of eligible costs to encourage more producers to enter the certification system.

The third proposal addresses sustainable fisheries management by suggesting spatial and temporal restrictions on commercial fishing using purse seine nets for sardine harvesting in the northern Adriatic.