Amid what initially appeared to be a promising year for Czech agriculture, farmers are grappling with a host of challenges that could impact their participation in the upcoming national harvest celebrations, including the record-breaking Země živitelka exhibition scheduled for the end of August.

Jan Doležal, the president of the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic, noted that while the harvest began well, it was subsequently marred by heavy rainfall. The inclement weather has not only affected the quality of food-grade wheat but also raised concerns about fungal diseases in other crops. Additionally, meteorologists are forecasting a heatwave following the rainy period, which could further complicate wheat storage.

Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný acknowledged the challenges posed by weather and lower quality wheat. Nevertheless, he emphasized that this year’s overall harvest remains satisfactory, boasting an 11% increase in yields compared to last year’s impressive results. However, a significant stumbling block for farmers is the persistently low prices of grain, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Doležal called for a coordinated European approach toward Ukraine that supports the country’s agricultural sector without adversely affecting EU farmers.

Despite these hurdles, a glimmer of optimism shines on the Czech agricultural landscape. The 49th Země živitelka exhibition in České Budějovice is anticipated to be a milestone event, with more than 600 exhibitors set to participate—the largest number in the event’s history. Covering a wide spectrum of agricultural industries, the exhibition will showcase everything from plant production to beekeeping, offering a platform for agricultural professionals to exchange knowledge, insights, and innovations.

While Czech farmers face challenges related to weather and pricing, the resilience of the agricultural sector is underscored by the determination to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities for growth and development.

Article by Prague Forum