Central European farmers face crisis from drought and climate change

Central European nations, including Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary, are facing severe agricultural challenges driven by rapid climate change and prolonged drought. The Visegrád Group (V4) has called for urgent action from the European Commission to address both immediate impacts and the need for long-term systemic reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy.

In Czechia, grain and rapeseed yields have dropped by up to one-third, with revenue losses estimated between 300 and 400 million euros. Poland has reported a 20 percent decline in yields, while Hungary faces potential shifts in crop production, such as the possible cessation of corn cultivation in certain regions. Slovakia has experienced average to below-average harvests, raising concerns for upcoming autumn crops.

The drought has also triggered a crisis in the livestock sector due to a shortage of essential animal feed, such as silage and hay. This scarcity may force farmers to purchase expensive imports or cull livestock. Slovak Minister of Agriculture Richard Takáč is seeking to address these issues through a V4+5 format, involving additional countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, and Italy, to advocate for agricultural stability and water management infrastructure.