Drought causes agricultural damage in Croatia and Slovenia

Severe drought conditions across Croatia and Slovenia have caused significant damage to agricultural sectors. In Croatia, the Bjelovar-Bilogora County has declared a natural disaster affecting four cities and 12 municipalities. The prolonged dry spell, lasting from May through early September, has impacted crops, pastures, vineyards, and fishponds. Affected residents have eight days to report damages to local commissions.

In Slovenia, the drought has severely impacted livestock farmers due to massive losses in grass and silage corn yields, with some areas reporting losses between 50% and 100%. This shortage is forcing cattle breeders to purchase additional feed. The viticulture sector is also feeling the impact; in the Brda region, high temperatures and heat shocks led to a much earlier harvest and a yield reduction of approximately one-third, though the quality of the remaining grapes remains high. Experts suggest that irrigation is becoming a necessity for vineyards to cope with changing climate realities.