Drought and heatwaves devastate agriculture across Southeast and Central Europe

Severe drought and extreme heat across Southeast and Central Europe are causing significant agricultural damage and economic strain for farmers.

In Croatia, particularly in the Slavonia region, the lack of rainfall has drastically reduced corn and soy yields. Some farmers report harvests as low as 500 to 800 kilograms per hectare, compared to the usual 3.5 to 4 tons. Experts note that the climate in the region is shifting from a temperate continental type toward a Mediterranean or even sub-Saharan pattern.

In Slovakia, the Association of Vegetable and Potato Growers reports that carrot and parsley yields have dropped by up to 30 percent. High temperatures have also increased irrigation and labor costs, threatening the economic viability of many farms.

In Slovenia, farmers are facing a crisis characterized by rising production costs and falling purchase prices for products like milk and meat. This economic pressure is contributing to a trend of younger generations leaving the agricultural sector.

In Serbia, farmers are entering the wheat sowing season facing a fourth consecutive year of drought. There is growing concern regarding the delay in government subsidies and the lack of financial support to mitigate the effects of the dry spell.