Vučković said that the attendance of a large number of different exhibitors as well as visitors from other parts of Croatia was proof that Zeljarijada was really a valuable event.
"The Agriculture Ministry and the Government have been investing significant efforts in the promotion and recognition of Croatian products. This region is rightfully proud of its products with protected geographical indications - Varaždinsko zelje and Zagorski bagremov med (Zagorje acacia honey)," the minister said.
She recalled that Croatia now has 44 protected products, of which a large number has been added to that list in the last two years.
"In that regard, we are seventh in the EU, and the procedure is currently under way for nine more products. What we all now need to work on is to make sure those products are available on the market," she said.
Shortage of veterinarians
Answering reporters' questions at the event, the minister also commented on a shortage of veterinarians in Croatia.
"It is a fact that some of them have left to work abroad, a portion of veterinary medicine students have been increasingly opting for practices other than large animal practice. Those changes have been indeed affecting us," she said.
Meanwhile, various measures and activities have been taken to at least partially make up for the loss of veterinarians who have left to work abroad, she said.