IMPACT OF EU REGULATIONS ON INVESTMENTS IN CROATIAN TABLE EGG PRODUCTION AND ITS COMPETITIVENESS

摘要

Table egg production in Croatia is in the process of adjustment to EU standards. Direct questionnaire was aimed to determine the level of compliance of table egg production with the Council Directive 1999/74/EC, as well as to define future developments. Obtained results indicated that 85% of producers fulfilled all requirements, while 15% of producers still have not complied with regulative. Out of 85% producers that comply with EU legislative, 71% of them invested in enriched cages, which usage is already prohibited in some EU countries. Only 33% of producers used IPARD grants to invest in production facilities. This paper presents an overview of experiences of some EU countries related to implementation of regulatives and main characteristics of Croatian table egg production. Analyses are presented about costs in table egg production, egg market prices and implemented new technologies as key factors of egg production competitiveness. Based on analyzed factors, high production costs are affectingincreased market price of eggs produced in Croatia, which has negative impacts on production efficiency and existence of Croatian table egg producers. In order to overcome all above stated issues, producers shall implement new technology, reduce production costs, focus on product properties that potential buyers will recognize and position themselves to meet consumers' needs.