World Food Day

In 1979, the United Nations declared 16 October the World Food Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about food as a fundamental human right and a basic need. This year, the focus is on the diversity, nutritional value, accessibility, and safety of food.

The area of arable land the largest in the Pomurska statistical region, the highest number of livestock units in the Podravska statistical region

In 2020, the total area of arable land in Slovenia amounted to 175,531 hectares. The area of arable land was the largest in the Pomurska statistical region (53,904 hectares), and the smallest in the Zasavska statistical region (744 hectares).
The total number of livestock units in 2020 was 408,684. The number was the largest in the Podravska statistical region (81,139) and the smallest in the Obalno-kraška statistical region (4,495).



The self-sufficiency rate higher for animal agricultural products

In 2023, the self-sufficiency rate for plant agricultural products was highest for cereals (80%) and lowest for fruit (16%), as fruit production is highly dependent on the weather. Last year, compared to the ten-year average (2013–2022), the self-sufficiency rate increased only for cereals (by 7 percentage points) and decreased for fruit (by 18 percentage points), potatoes (by 9 percentage points) and vegetables (by 8 percentage points).

As regards animal agricultural products, the self-sufficiency rate was highest for eggs (95%). Compared to the ten-year average (2013–2022), the self-sufficiency rate last year decreased for honey (by 44 percentage points) and increased for meat (by 2 percentage points) and eggs (by 1 percentage point).



The size of the cultivated area for market produced vegetables up by almost two-thirds 

In 2022, the cultivated area for market produced vegetables was 3,181 hectares, which represents a 61% increase compared to 2013. The largest share of cultivated areas in 2022 was allocated to root crops (28%), followed by salad crops (19%), and the smallest to spinach (1%). During this period, the area for root crops increased the most (more than threefold), the area for legumes doubled, and we observed an 81% increase in the area for onions. The only decrease in cultivated area during the same period was for spinach (by 26%).



Prices of vegetables down

From September of last year to September of this year, food prices increased by 1.4%. Prices rose the most for fruits (by 11.1%) and sweet products (by 5%). They decreased for three food categories: vegetables (by 1.4%), bread and cereals (by 0.8%) and fish and seafood (by 0.7%).

Residents spent the most money on meat and meat products

In 2022, households spent on average 14% of their expenditures on food, which amounts to EUR 3,698. Among food categories, the largest share of spending (3.1%) was allocated to live animals, meat, and meat products, averaging EUR 831 per household, followed by cereals and cereal products (EUR 641). The smallest expenditures were for oils and fats (EUR 128), and fish and seafood (EUR 121). 



Women more frequently consume fruits and vegetables at least once a day

In 2022, more than two thirds (68%) of Slovenia's population consumed fruit at least once a day, while 70% consumed vegetables. By gender, women (75%) were more likely than men (60%) to eat fruit daily. Similarly, a higher share of women (74%) consumed vegetables daily compared to men (66%). The differences also appear in age, as a smaller share of younger people (16–29 years) consumed fruit at least once a day (60%) compared to those over 65 years old (80%). Similarly, differences are seen in vegetable consumption; the share of younger people who consumed vegetables at least once a day was lower (65%) compared to those over 65 years old (75%).


The amount of food waste below the European average

In 2023, 160,803 tonnes of food waste was generated in Slovenia, with 44% of this waste coming from households. Compared to other European countries in 2020, Slovenia's food waste generated in households (36 kg per capita) was below the European average of 70 kg per capita. The amount of this waste was the largest in Portugal (124 kg per capita), followed by Italy (107 kg per capita), and the smallest in Spain (30 kg per capita).