Protests intensify over major poultry farm near protected river in northern Croatia

KOPRIVNICA, 17 October 2026 – Residents and environmental campaigners have gathered in Koprivnica to protest against the expansion of industrial megafarms and slaughterhouses in Croatia, raising concerns about their potential impact on protected nature, public health and local communities.

The protest, held under the slogan “Ni Podravini nije ravno – Sjever protiv megafarmi” (Podravina is not flat either – The North against megafarms), is part of a wider wave of opposition to large-scale poultry farming projects planned across the country.

Demonstrators carried banners calling for the protection of the Drava River, local wildlife and rural communities, with messages including “We are not a transit zone for someone else’s profit”.

The protests were prompted by plans from two foreign investors for a series of large poultry-related developments, which initially included as many as 24 projects. Following strong opposition in Sisak-Moslavina County, investor MHP requested the suspension of its projects in that county, while the other investor continues with its plans.

Opposition has since spread to northern Croatia, including a protest concert and a demonstration in Apatija.

Megafarm near protected natural areas

A key focus of the Koprivnica gathering was the Veliki Pažut megafarm in the municipality of Legrad, which has begun trial operations and is planned to raise 1.8 million chickens annually.

According to the protest organisers, the facility is located within the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, around 200 metres from the Drava River and 320 metres from the Veliki Pažut Special Ornithological Reserve.

Local residents have reported concerns about strong odours, manure being deposited within the protected Mura River landscape, increased heavy vehicle traffic and noise, as well as damage to local roads and houses.

Environmental organisations and campaigners say large-scale poultry farming can create risks relating to pollution, biodiversity, animal welfare and the quality of life of nearby communities. They are calling on authorities to respond to the concerns raised by residents.

Protesters are demanding the immediate suspension of the farm’s trial operations, that an operating permit not be issued, and that other proposed megafarm projects be halted.

Environmental and public health concerns

Darko Podravec of Croatian nature conservation organisation Biom called on the authorities to prioritise environmental protection and biodiversity over short-term economic benefits.

He said public confidence in institutions responsible for environmental protection had been weakened by previous environmental controversies and argued that decisive political action was needed to prevent potentially irreversible consequences.

Luka Oman of animal rights organisation Friends of Animals (Prijatelji životinja) also raised concerns about intensive poultry production.

He said crowded conditions in industrial poultry facilities could contribute to animal welfare problems and the spread of zoonotic diseases. He also highlighted concerns about manure, dust, ammonia emissions and the use of antibiotics, including the potential implications for human health and the environment.

The organisations argue that the planned developments could affect residents’ ability to influence decisions about their local environment.

Calls for government action

The protest organisers say they will continue their campaign until the proposed megafarms and large slaughterhouses are stopped.

They are calling on local authorities to support affected communities, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition to examine objections submitted by residents and experts, and the Croatian Government to reconsider the expansion of such projects.

The debate reflects a wider conflict between investment in large-scale food production and concerns about environmental protection, animal welfare and the long-term effects on rural communities.

The organisers maintain that authorities should address these concerns before the projects advance further.