Tolušić: The first competition to ‘protect’ livestock farmers from predator attacks starts in May

The 10th anniversary fair of agritourism in the Šibenik-Knin County in Skradin gathered more than 180 exhibitors of indigenous agricultural and traditional products, and on Monday it was opened by Minister of Agriculture Tomislav Tolušić, who stated that it is a good promotion of family farms (OPG) and domestic producers.

“It is not easy to be in agriculture, but here we see that there are those who have been living and working from it for years. This is proof that it makes sense to engage in agriculture. Our gastronomic offer is the reason why tourists return and one of the treasures of our tourist offer. Here is actually the heart of what Croatian agriculture can showcase in terms of indigenous products. People return to Skradin and Croatia for the flavors of Dalmatia and Croatia; this is a great story and a way to promote our OPGs and producers,” said Tolušić.

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In response to a journalist’s question about incentives for sheep and goat owners who are increasingly facing problems with wolves, the minister announced that the first competition to assist livestock farmers and agricultural producers suffering damages due to predator attacks will start in May. “In May, the first competition of this type will begin, where we will help livestock farmers with the purchase of a Tornjak dog, for the construction of shelters for livestock, for raising protective fences and hedges, and other things. Here, livestock farmers can receive significant funds; unfortunately, we have not utilized these measures so far, although we could have,” said Tolušić.

He also reminded of the importance of livestock farming for other agricultural activities. “The number of livestock is declining, and we must stop that. All the measures we have taken aim to encourage people to return to livestock farming, especially in these areas, and there is hope that the situation will improve,” he emphasized.

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Tolušić also addressed citizens’ dissatisfaction with food control, stating that the Ministry is intensively conducting inspections in the food sector, for which an additional 13 million kuna has been allocated this year.

“This ministry has been recognized in the last year and a half for fighting for healthy food to resist import lobbies and the pressure of retail chains. We have over 50,000 inspections in the food sector. I urge citizens to buy Croatian products because they are the highest quality and safest. We conduct milk inspections every month; the results are correct, but the problem is dumping prices, and we need to address that. A price of three kuna per liter is unachievable and destroys domestic producers,” said Tolušić.

The governor of Šibenik-Knin, Goran Pauk, presented certificates of appreciation to exhibitors who have participated in the fair for all ten years, and 13 OPGs were awarded.

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“At this jubilee tenth fair, we showcase all our quality and indigenous rural wealth, our cultural expression, and our OPGs,” emphasized Pauk.

At the fair, which is being held today and tomorrow in Skradin, 181 exhibitors are participating, including 58 exhibitors from Šibenik-Knin and 12 from the Zagreb County, which is the partner county. Exhibitors at the fair present products such as prosciutto and other cured meats, wines, brandies, juices, cakes, soaps, honey, souvenirs, etc.

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The fair is organized by the Šibenik-Knin County and the Development Agency of Šibenik-Knin County, with co-organizers being the Chamber of Crafts of Šibenik-Knin County, the Croatian Chamber of Economy, the Šibenik County Chamber, the City of Skradin, and the Tourist Board of Šibenik-Knin County.