In the sun-drenched hills of Istria, Croatia’s cherished Istarski pršut, a delicacy protected by European PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), faces an uncertain future.
With just 2,000 of the region’s 20,000 annual cured hams receiving PDO certification, the production is under pressure.
The stringent rules dictate that only pigs from specific areas, raised on local feed and reaching 200 kilograms, can contribute to this artisanal product.
But a spate of African swine fever outbreaks has exacerbated the situation, threatening to disrupt the supply of certified meat.
As producers struggle with costly infrastructure and limited resources, fewer are able to maintain the necessary standards for PDO certification.
Paolo Jelenić remains hopeful that Istarski pršut will not disappear, despite the challenges, but acknowledges the situation is problematic.
Local authorities are stepping in, eager to support the region’s livestock industry, but the future of this gourmet treasure remains in jeopardy.
