Neretva Valley mandarin harvest begins amid drought and pest concerns

The mandarin harvest has begun in Croatia's Neretva Valley, though producers face challenges from drought and climate change. Expected yields for the season are estimated between 35,000 and 40,000 tons, a decrease compared to previous years due to prolonged dry periods and high temperatures.

Despite lower quantities, producers report that fruit quality remains high, with favorable sugar and acid levels. However, the Mediterranean fruit fly remains a significant threat to citrus crops. To combat this, the Croatian government has allocated approximately 1 million euros for pest control measures, including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which involves releasing sterile male flies to reduce the pest population.

Agricultural officials and local leaders, including Minister of Agriculture David Vlajčić, have emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between local government and producers to protect the region's citrus industry. The harvest also faces potential labor shortages and competition from imported fruit.