Czech Ministry of Agriculture targets increased vegetable production by 2035

The Czech Ministry of Agriculture has announced a strategy to increase vegetable cultivation areas and enhance national food self-sufficiency by 2035. This initiative follows a year-on-year decrease in consumable vegetable acreage, which fell by 447 hectares to a total of 11,824 hectares.

To achieve these goals, the ministry plans to invest in the modernization of irrigation systems and the development of advanced greenhouses. The strategy also emphasizes the use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, biological plant protection, and advanced monitoring systems to enable year-round production and address labor shortages.

According to the Vegetable Union of Bohemia and Moravia, drought is expected to cause a 30 percent drop in Czech vegetable production this year. Beyond production, Minister of Agriculture Martin Šebestyán noted that the sector plays a vital role in maintaining rural life, creating jobs, and supporting regional economies. The ministry also aims to strengthen the market position of growers by supporting producer organizations and local marketplaces to improve negotiations with retail chains.