Slovenia is in the midst of ownership consolidation in the industry. Foreigners already own half of the milk industry and the share of foreign ownership is increasing in the wheat sector, he said.

While foreigners have started relying exclusively on domestic inputs, which domestic owners did not, they are also leading the charge in reducing the prices of inputs, he said, noting that the ministry would "keep close watch" over the conduct of foreign owners.

Overall, the minister is convinced that "Slovenian food production has a future", which may not necessarily involve volume products but rather innovation and niche markets.

The event, called the Summit of Agri-Food Companies, was organised by the agri-food section of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS).