Data provided by the Czech Social Science Archive to researchers from the SYRI National Institute reveals that more than half of Czech households engage in growing their own fruit and vegetables. Surprisingly, for a fifth of these households, their homegrown produce plays a significant role as a source of food, comparable to what they purchase from stores. The findings shed light on the growing trend of self-sustainability in food production and the increasing importance of gardening in Czech society.

The study indicates that 55% of households in the Czech Republic already cultivate their own produce, while an additional 7% are considering starting their own gardens. On the other hand, 11% of households used to grow fruit and vegetables but have stopped, and 27% of households currently have no intention of pursuing this option.

Jan Vávra, a sociology researcher at SYRI and the Czech Academy of Sciences, commented on the significance of homegrown food, stating, “For 19% of households, home-grown food is an important source on par with purchases from stores.” Furthermore, 37% of households utilize their homegrown produce as a supplementary resource.

The data reveals that gardening plays a crucial role for approximately 10% of households, surpassing the number of individuals who rely on online purchases or delivery services for their food needs. Vávra, who has previously highlighted the increasing importance of gardening in Czech households, explained that the motivation behind cultivating one’s own food is not solely self-sufficiency but also emphasizes food sovereignty and the ability to choose one’s sources of food.

The ongoing monitoring of home-growing data by scientists, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, has proven valuable in understanding the context of gardening in Czech society. The availability of the SYRI database, provided by the Czech Social Science Archive, allows for comprehensive analysis that can aid public administration in various ways. The insights gained from studying this trend can inform policies and initiatives that support sustainable and self-sufficient food production, aligning with the preferences and practices of Czech households.

Article by Prague Forum