Hundreds Protest Against Mega-Farms in Sisak, Croatia

Sisak today became the focal point of a powerful demonstration as hundreds of citizens and environmental activists united to voice their strong opposition to the planned construction of mega-farms and chicken slaughterhouses. Organized by prominent groups like Zelena akcija and Prijatelji životinja, alongside local initiatives such as 'Siščani ne žele biti Smetlišćani' (Sisak residents don't want to be landfill residents), the protest sent a clear message: Croatia will not become a dumping ground for environmentally destructive mega-projects. The sheer number of participants, drawing people from multiple Croatian counties, underscores the widespread concern about the potential consequences. Speakers articulated fears of 'mega pollution' affecting air, water, and soil, as well as the unsustainable burden on already strained infrastructure. Crucially, the plan to quadruple the country's current poultry production capacity threatens to decimate the existing Croatian poultry sector, a point of national pride and economic importance. This isn't just about local grievances; it's a national outcry against a model of development that prioritizes foreign profit over the health, environment, and economic future of Croatian citizens. The sentiment on the ground is clear: 'Profit for them, stench for us!' and 'We won't give up Croatia!' are not mere slogans, but deeply felt convictions.

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There are still 20 locations in Sisak-Moslavina County, and 4 locations in Zagreb, Varaždin, and Koprivnica-Križevci counties, that investors have designated for their mega-projects. Today, we have all come together with representatives of initiatives from 4 counties to decisively say 'no' to such investments.