Czech Ministry of Agriculture proposes new land pre-emptive rights

The Czech Ministry of Agriculture is preparing a legislative proposal to introduce a statutory pre-emptive right for agricultural land. Under one considered model, owners intending to sell land would be required to offer it first to the current tenant or active farmer. Only if the tenant declines could the owner seek buyers on the open market.

Minister Martin Šebesta aims to present the final proposal in September, with the amendment intended to take effect in early 2028. The stated goal is to prevent land speculation and protect the agricultural sector. However, critics and organizations such as the Association of Private Agriculture argue that the move constitutes a significant interference with property rights.

Opponents suggest the law would disproportionately benefit large agro-holdings, such as Agrofert, which already manages vast areas of leased land, while making it more difficult for small or new farmers to acquire property. Legal experts note that while similar models exist in countries like Italy and Slovenia, they are often used to protect small investors rather than large-scale agricultural entities.