Files
Abstract
Eastern part of Croatia is agricultural region according to natural resources (fertile soil, first of all), as well as human potential (long
experience in traditional agriculture). Besides agriculture as traditional activity, a characteristic of rurality is also added to this region. Rural
area is dominant in Eastern Croatia and it effects on relatively small urban areas. This paper represents new possibilities of rural economic
activities on family farms in Eastern Croatia. Role and significant of rural economic activities is analyzed through indicators overview (land
structure, GDP, population, population density, TEA index, unemployment ect.). Challenges through diversification of rural economic
activities in this paper includes added economic activities realized on family farms through tourism, crafts, handy work, processing,
renewable energy etc. Added economic activities on family farms in Eastern Croatia participate with only 3.9%. Suggestions and possibilities
measures of rural economic activities diversification are reflected through two main streams. First stream is diversification of activities
through added value of agricultural products as vertical connection (organic food, autochthony products, functional food, renewable energy
sources etc.). Other one economic activity diversification indicates distribution function of final products through different services on the
family farm (direct sale, specialized shops, rural tourism and many other services).