Croatia introduces new fruit and vegetable market rules to support domestic production

Dolac Zagreb (Photo: Fraxinus Croat/C BY-SA 3.0)

Croatia has introduced a new regulatory framework aimed at bringing greater transparency and order to the fruit and vegetable market, with a strong focus on supporting domestic producers and empowering consumers to make informed choices.

The new Rulebook on Market Standards and Compliance Controls for fruit and vegetables, certain processed fruit and vegetable products, and the banana sector entered into force on 1 January.

The regulation has been welcomed by the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture (HPK), which highlights its practical impact already visible in shops across the country.

One of the most significant changes introduced by the rulebook is clear and visible country-of-origin labelling, particularly for fresh produce sold loose in retail outlets.

Fruit, vegetables and table potatoes offered without packaging must now display origin information that is legible, immediately visible and placed within the main field of vision on shelves or displays.

According to HPK, this change allows consumers to easily identify Croatian products and actively support domestic agriculture through their purchasing decisions.

“We are pleased that the expert services of the Ministry of Agriculture worked closely with HPK on this rulebook and accepted most of the proposals that came directly from producers,” said Toni Grossi, President of HPK’s Committee for Vegetables and Potatoes.

“This joint effort demonstrates that meaningful progress can be achieved when producers’ arguments and real-world experience are taken seriously. It is an important step towards improving the presence of Croatian fruit, vegetables and potatoes on shop shelves.”

HPK reports that most retailers are already complying with the new labelling requirements, with changes clearly visible since the beginning of the year. The organisation expects market inspections to closely monitor implementation and impose penalties where the rules are not followed.

Grossi believes the regulation represents an opportunity not only for producers but also for consumers, who can now make better-informed purchasing decisions thanks to improved product declarations.

New Opportunities for Local Farmers from July

A further set of provisions, due to enter into force on 1 July, has been particularly welcomed by the agricultural sector. These will allow farmers to sell fruit and vegetables that do not fully meet standard market specifications directly within their production area.

Such sales will be permitted at local retail markets, in spaces reserved exclusively for farmers and direct sales. HPK says this will help increase the visibility of local producers, encourage the consumption of locally grown food and strengthen short supply chains.

Despite the positive steps, HPK warns that Croatia’s fruit and vegetable sector remains under heavy pressure from imports, leading to declining or stagnating domestic production.

Grossi stresses that further work is needed in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, particularly to address:

• Difficult production conditions caused by drought and extreme weather

• The lack of clear rules for indoor agricultural facilities

• Severe labour shortages driven by short seasonal work periods

Calls for Simpler Greenhouse Construction Rules

The Committee for Vegetables and Potatoes has also criticised what it describes as absurd administrative barriers for the construction of greenhouses and polytunnels.

HPK is calling for such agricultural structures to be exempt from building permits, with faster and simpler procedures to encourage investment, extend growing seasons and increase domestic self-sufficiency.

The organisation is urging inter-ministerial cooperation, calling on the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, to adopt a regulation defining minimum technical requirements and a simplified construction regime for agricultural greenhouses.

Labour availability remains a major concern, with current rules preventing seasonal workers from receiving unemployment benefits outside the production season. HPK warns this makes it even harder to secure an already limited workforce.

Other priority issues include the legalisation of water permits for irrigation, essential for sustainable production, and possible amendments to land-use regulations to allow smaller plots to be registered in the ARKOD system.