The Croatian Association of Olive Growers and Millers (ZUMAH) has called on the relevant institutions to urgently address the problem, warning that producers are struggling to process olives because they have nowhere to store the residue left after oil extraction, known as olive pomace.
Association president Ivica Ljubenkov said that between 15,000 and 20,000 tonnes of olive pomace are expected to be generated across Croatia this year. In previous seasons, the residue was generally spread on agricultural land during the approximately month-long processing period, with further disposal taking place throughout the year. However, the particularly abundant harvest, combined with Dalmatia’s rocky terrain and limited available land, has made it difficult for local mills to manage the increased quantities.
Ljubenkov said mill operators had been seeking a more systematic solution for two years, but discussions with the Agriculture Ministry and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund earlier this year had produced little progress.
The potential shutdowns could also affect employment: Jakov Vukšić, whose family owns the mill in Solin, warned that around 20 workers could lose their jobs if the facility were forced to halt operations.
Agriculture Minister David Vlajčić, however, said regulations governing the disposal of olive pomace had been amended earlier this year, allowing up to 80 tonnes to be disposed of per hectare as a temporary measure. He maintained that producers had sufficient time to obtain the necessary permits and prepare for the expected strong harvest, adding that some counties had not reported similar difficulties.
The government is also working with the Environment Ministry on plans to support the construction of composting facilities and biogas plants, depending on the needs of individual counties. These facilities are intended to provide a long-term solution for processing olive pomace and other biodegradable waste, reducing the risk of future disruptions to Croatia’s olive oil industry.
