Czech agriculture is facing one of the most difficult years in recent times. Weak grain harvests, a decline in rapeseed production, and significant losses for vegetable growers could cost the sector approximately 20 billion crowns in revenue this year, according to the Czech Agrarian Chamber. This warning was issued at the opening of the 52nd International Agrosalon "Země živitelka" (Land of Plenty) in České Budějovice, where the impact of drought, climate change, and the future of food security were brought into focus.
The President of the Czech Agrarian Chamber, Jan Doležal, pointed out at the opening of the fair that unfavorable weather conditions will significantly affect this year's results for Czech farmers. In crop production, problems are mainly manifested in lower yields and weaker harvests. He estimates that the total loss of revenue for agriculture could reach approximately 20 billion crowns.
This is not just a warning from professional organizations. Current statistics confirm that this year's harvest is significantly lagging behind last year.
According to a second estimate from the Czech Statistical Office, published on August 7th, approximately 6.39 million tons of basic grains are expected to be harvested this year, which is 16.9 percent less than last year. The ČSÚ considers this to be the lowest grain harvest in the past 14 years. Rapeseed production is expected to fall by as much as 20.9 percent to approximately 808,000 tons, which would be the lowest yield in 21 years.
Vegetables are among the most affected sectors
The situation is also difficult in Czech vegetable farming. According to estimates from the Vegetable Growers Association of Bohemia and Moravia, this year's vegetable production could decline by approximately 30 percent due to drought.
Problems began to emerge even during the spring. Professional grower organizations warned about a combination of prolonged drought, spring frosts, and localized heavy rainfall. The lack of moisture complicated the germination of onions and root vegetables, while frosts damaged some crops of cabbage, celery, or early potatoes.
The development of Czech agriculture increasingly highlights its dependence on water availability and the ability of the landscape to cope with longer periods of drought.
The state promises help in adapting to climate change
The Minister of Agriculture, Martin Šebestyán, stated at the opening of "Země živitelka" that the state is prepared to help farmers deal with the consequences of climate change. The theme of adapting Czech agriculture to new conditions is also a focus of this year's fair.
The Ministry of Agriculture states that this year's edition has the motto "Innovation in Every Field" and aims to present not only new machines and digitalization, but also a more modern approach to soil, landscape, and water. The program includes precision agriculture, research, and new technologies designed to help farmers better manage water and other resources.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš thanked Czech farmers at the official opening ceremony and pointed out that the current situation, where consumers take full shelves of food for granted, may not be guaranteed in the future. The debate about this year's harvest is therefore taking on a broader dimension – it is not only about the economics of individual businesses but also about the country's long-term ability to produce enough of its own food.
"Země živitelka" showcases the future of agriculture
The international agrosalon Země živitelka is held in České Budějovice from August 20th to 25th. This year's 52nd edition is one of the largest agricultural events in Central Europe and features agricultural machinery, food processing, livestock farming, research, education, and smart agricultural technologies.
The significance of the event is also demonstrated by last year's attendance – in 2025, 132,504 people visited the area, and more than 600 exhibitors were present.
This year's edition begins at a time when Czech agriculture is facing one of its biggest current challenges: how to maintain the competitiveness of domestic production in conditions of increasingly unpredictable weather.
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