Czech agriculture is facing major challenges as it can no longer fully meet the growing demand for food domestically. Pork and vegetable production, in particular, have been declining for years, while imports are increasing simultaneously.
The Czech Republic is experiencing rising demand for food, but domestic agriculture can no longer fully meet this demand, reports the news channel ČT24. On average, each inhabitant of the country consumes around 790 kilograms of food per year. The self-sufficiency rate for staple foods is less than 80%. Pork and vegetable production are particularly affected and have been declining for years.
Pig farming is one of the biggest challenges for Czech agriculture. More than half of the pork consumed in the country is now imported. Many farms have ceased pig farming, as it has become unprofitable due to low sales prices and high investment costs.
Egg production is also under increasing pressure. The reasons for this include rising energy costs and the expensive transition from cage housing to litter housing. Farmers are therefore calling for greater support to keep pace with growing demands.
Vegetable cultivation is another example of declining self-sufficiency. Tomatoes and onions are particularly affected, as the Czech Republic is heavily reliant on imports. Around two-thirds of the onions consumed come from abroad.
The demands on vegetable cultivation are high. Specialized know-how, modern technology, and sufficient storage space are required for the successful cultivation of onions. Additionally, stable trading relationships with retail chains must be established. These hurdles deter many farmers from entering vegetable production.
To continue supplying their own country, farmers in the Czech Republic are calling for additional support from the state. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný has already announced that further subsidies will be made available.
An increase in domestic vegetable production could also help significantly reduce the country’s CO₂ emissions. A reduction in onion imports, for example, would save emissions equivalent to those of a town with 15,000 inhabitants, such as Nymburk.
Food Consumption in the Czech Republic:
- According to the latest statistics, each Czech currently consumes around 790 kilograms of food per year.
- Fruit and vegetables account for the largest share per person per year, followed by meat and potatoes. The consumption of cheese and pasta is significantly lower.
- The record value was around 10 years ago, when each Czech consumed 825 kilograms of food per year.
Source: ČT24/ČSÚ
