engleski

Tomato market potential in Republic of Croatia in terms of global economy

Croatia does not produce enough vegetables for its needs. Despite favorable agro-ecological conditions for the production of most vegetable species, the current production of vegetables is insufficient and usually price uncompetitive compared to imported vegetables. On the other hand, export of domestic fresh and processed vegetables is small in quantity and value. Inadequate production is the result of fragmented areas, unregulated manufacturing infrastructure, lack of heating and irrigation systems and inadequate storage facilities. Vegetables in the Republic of Croatia is produced on about 40.116 ha, which is 4, 7 % of utilized agricultural area. The process of restructuring the entire economy in the 1990s was parallel to the process of opening the market, which resulted in the growth of total demand and increased demand for vegetables and ultimately by the growth of imports. Tomato production in Croatia follows negative trends in vegetable production. The aim of the paper was to present the trends in production and foreign trade of tomato in the Republic of Croatia based on analyzed data on the production of vegetables and tomatoes and to provide suggestions for improving the situation in current terms of global market (joining EU, loss of former markets etc.). The Food and Agriculture Organization Statistical Database (FAOStat) is used in the paper on market indicators in the European Union and the Republic of Croatia. In last 10 years, production of tomatoes oscillates a lot and amounts 30.355 t on the 575 ha in average. In 2013 exports of tomatoes participate less than 5 % in imported amounts. Croatia has the potential to be competitive on European market, but it is necessary to increase the average production area, encourage application of irrigation and drainage systems, increase the share of tomato production in greenhouses and to invest more in additional training of producers.

tomato ; market ; Republic of Croatia ; production ; global economy

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