The farm model production in Mediterranean Croatia

Abstract

Models of farm production in the Mediterranean part of Croatia are special because they use traditional technologies and breeds at a significant level, respect consumer behaviour, and take care of the environment and its biodiversity. According to economic importance and impact on the environment, sheep production is dominant, followed by cattle production, while pig and poultry production are slightly present. Autochthonous sheep breeds of a smaller body frame are dominant and their main product is lamb meat. They produce from 70 to 300 kg milk per year. Dairy cattle production uses moderate levels of production intensification, modern technology and allochthonous genotypes. In beef production profiling of recognizable types of beef with the principles of organic production in the autochthonous breeds is noticeable. The main food sources for sheep and cattle production are Mediterranean pastures and grasslands, which partially limit the production, but on the other hand enrich the final product. Numerous recognizable animal products are part of the rural, gastronomic and touristic offer, and preserve their way of production in accordance with traditional heritage. Farm production does not distort the ecological harmony of the region, thanks to the traditional production technologies. Awareness of the need to maintain the tradition, recognition, economic vitality of rural areas, habitat quality and entire biodiversity is growing. Experiences in animal production in the Mediterranean part of Croatia point to effective models which combine traditional and new technological experiences in autochthonous breeds, with respect to consumer demands.