Croatia adopts nine new agricultural and rural development regulations

The Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries unveiled nine draft regulations covering agriculture, veterinary matters and rural development ahead of a public consultation. The measures aim to boost the competitiveness of Croatian farming, protect natural resources and biodiversity, improve food safety, support producers and bring national law into line with EU rules.

Key provisions include mandatory DNA verification of livestock parentage and the creation of a national gene bank for endangered domestic breeds, new market standards for poultry meat, a €500,000 support program for sheep and goat dairy farmers affected by scrapie outbreaks, and a €251,000 "School Honey Day" initiative to provide honey and educational material to first‑grade pupils. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić highlighted the importance of beekeeping for biodiversity and the value of the honey programme.