Citizens and local representatives express strong opposition to a proposed mega-farm project by Ukrainian investors in Croatia, citing environmental concerns and potential negative impacts.
In a public forum discussing a poultry farming project initiated by Ukrainian investors in Sisak-Moslavina County, local associations voiced stark opposition against its implementation. The event, convened at the initiative of Agriculture Minister David Vlajčić, highlighted the tension between economic promises made by the investors and the environmental risks outlined by local stakeholders. Investors claim the project will bring significant economic and social benefits to the region, yet this is met with skepticism regarding its impacts on local agriculture and ecosystems.
Marijana Petir, the head of the parliamentary agriculture committee, raised concerns about the proposed mega-farm, insisting on a comprehensive environmental impact assessment that considers not just segments of the project, but its entirety. Petir emphasized the potential adverse effects on small family farms (OPGs) and questioned the project’s proximity to environmental protections, particularly the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. The discussion also broached safety issues related to the planned location near a gas storage facility, indicating a multifaceted set of concerns surrounding the project.
Overall, this project, with an estimated value of 608 million euros, has become a focal point of contention in the region. As stakeholders continue to debate its merits, the juxtaposition of economic development against ecological preservation raises pivotal questions about the long-term sustainability of such large-scale agricultural initiatives in Croatia. The outcome of this situation will likely influence future agricultural policies and regulatory frameworks in the country.
