Opuzen requests natural disaster status due to drought

The Mayor of Opuzen, Ivan Mataga, has submitted a formal request to the Dubrovnik-Neretva County to declare a state of natural disaster due to drought in the Opuzen area. This request follows an assessment by a specialized commission regarding the impact on local agriculture.

The commission estimates that the drought will cause a minimum 30% reduction in expected citrus production in the region. This assessment is intended to facilitate aid for local producers who are also facing market challenges and issues with the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata).

In addition to drought relief, measures are being prepared to combat the Mediterranean fruit fly in the Neretva Valley. A co-financing agreement is being developed between the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and local government units to implement sanitation measures. Through public calls, funds are expected to be allocated to producers at approximately 250.00 EUR per hectare to carry out these planned actions.