PAVLETIC MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF FARMERS' ASSOCIATION

ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - Croatia's agricultural resources can feed a population of 21 million, representatives of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) association of villages "Stjepan Sulimanac" said on Tuesday, adding the problem was that the resources were not exploited sufficiently. Ivo Jemrić-Rus and Ivo Krpina said during talks with parliament president Vlatko Pavletic another problem burdening Croatian agriculture was the property structure which was incompatible with the demands of modern manufacturing. To assist the Croatian farmer, his products should be paid in time, the two representatives said, adding the establishment of an agri- crafts bank would also be of help. Krpina said it was tragic that Croatia, with all of its natural advantages, two years ago imported US$1 billion worth of food. We must make a concept of agricultural development, i.e. a national agriculture policy, for agriculture to prosper, he added. Parliament president Pavletic agreed Croatia's agriculture did have problems, but refuted some politicians' assessments that farmers had never been in a more difficult position. Speaking about the activities of some farmers' associations, Pavletic said demagogy must be avoided. He said the interest of Croatian farmers was unified, and said "Stjepan Sulimanac" was a guarantee that the ruling HDZ will dedicate the utmost attention to agriculture. (hina) ha jn