Slovak landowners enter strike readiness over agricultural subsidy distribution

The Association of Landowners and Agropreneurs of Slovakia (ZVPAS) has entered a state of strike readiness following a decision by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to redistribute fertilizer compensation funds. ZVPAS Chairman Ján Jelen claims the redistribution is discriminatory, noting that approximately 90% of a 19.73 million euro fund is being directed toward animal production, leaving only 10% for pure crop growers.

According to ZVPAS, the disparity is stark: a winter wheat grower with animal production receives 31.34 euros per hectare, whereas a pure crop grower receives only 5.54 euros per hectare. The association argues this violates EU Implementing Regulation 2026/1894, which requires objective and non-discriminatory criteria. They are demanding an immediate publication of the calculation methodology and a review of the rules.

Minister of Agriculture Richard Takáč defended the policy, stating that the state aims to incentivize farmers to shift away from staple crops like wheat, where they cannot compete with Ukrainian production volumes. Takáč indicated that higher support will be prioritized for livestock farming and specialized plant production, such as fruits and vegetables, to leverage Slovakia’s climatic advantages.