Agriculture in Croatia and Serbia faces severe drought and heat

Extreme heat and drought across Croatia and Serbia are significantly impacting agricultural production, particularly corn and sunflower crops. In Croatia, experts warn that corn yields could fall below one million tons, a historic low, as drought has reportedly destroyed up to 50 percent of the crop. Winemakers are also facing challenges, with harvests expected to begin up to a month earlier than usual due to heat, potentially leading to lower acidity and reduced volumes.

In Serbia, the high temperatures have exceeded the biological optimum for many crops. While wheat and sunflowers have shown more resilience, corn and soy remain at risk. However, some sectors show promise; fruit and vegetable producers report high yields for raspberries, apricots, and plums, though low prices remain a concern for farmers.

Experts emphasize that adapting to climate change is essential. Recommended strategies include selecting drought-tolerant hybrids, improving irrigation, and avoiding the burning of crop residues to preserve soil organic matter. Farmers are increasingly turning to more resilient crops, such as oilseed rape and sunflower, to mitigate future risks.