Croatia is Fighting Excessive Food Waste

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Croatia, Zdravko Tušek, called on food consumers to think and buy rationally. And also, during the Christmas shopping season, to donate surplus food to those in need.

In Croatia, an average of 71 kg of food per capita is thrown away annually, Zdravko Tušek said at a meeting of the working group monitoring the implementation of the voluntary agreement “Together Against Food Waste.” Every year, about 286,000 tons of food are thrown away in Croatia, with households making the largest contribution.

A surge in food disposal is especially noticeable after an increased volume of food purchases for the Christmas holidays. Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture adopted a plan to reduce food waste by 30% in the period 2023-2028. Partnership agreements were concluded with food industry enterprises, scientific institutions, rural and urban municipalities. Agreements were signed by 45 representatives of food producers and processors, retailers, the hospitality industry, the scientific and academic community, local authorities, non-profit organizations, associations and companies.

According to the national recovery and sustainability plan, more than 4,000,000 euros were invested to equip nine food banks and one hundred intermediaries with the necessary tools. This made it possible to guarantee fast and efficient work on the transfer of overdue or donated food to those who need it. Part of the funds was directed to promoting a more responsible attitude to consumption. Since high levels of waste pollute the environment and lead to the depletion of natural resources.