The Agrarian Chamber (AK) and the Agricultural Union (ZS) board find themselves at a crossroads as they deliberate the fate of farmers’ planned protests scheduled for March 21st. Following an evening meeting with Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL), leaders of the agricultural organizations disclosed that the decision-making process has been initiated, signaling a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations.

The backdrop to this decision-making is a broader European-wide protest slated a day earlier, with Czech agricultural entities urged to partake. Minister Výborný has expressed his openness to resuming negotiations and urged both parties to temper emotions in favor of constructive dialogue. Jan Doležal, President of AK, outlined the next steps, indicating that they would engage their member bases, particularly the boards, to relay the specifics of the meeting’s outcomes and allow for a democratic decision-making process. The options on the table, as per Doležal, range between proceeding with protests or opting for further negotiations.

Meanwhile, Martin Pýcha, Chairman of ZS, underscored the persisting validity of resolutions advocating for a protest on March 21st, although they’ve received a request from foreign counterparts to support a joint action on March 20th. The decisions stemming from the meeting will be disseminated among colleagues, culminating in a collective determination on the path forward.

The farmers’ demands encompass various critical issues, including support for rural employment, preservation of animal welfare funding, and a rollback of land taxation to pre-consolidation levels. Additionally, they advocate for the non-taxation of European operating subsidies and curbs on duty-free imports of agricultural products from non-EU countries.

During the evening deliberations, both sides affirmed the government’s endorsement of two of the farmers’ five demands. Minister Výborný had previously proposed additional funding for animal welfare and support for rural employment, amounting to two billion for social insurance discounts. Moreover, he emphasized the necessity of urging the European Commission to consider crisis aid measures within its budget.

The recent wave of protests underscores the farmers’ resolve to voice their grievances, with recent demonstrations in the Polish region of Trojmezí and a substantial gathering in Prague. While the protests have drawn attention, they’ve also seen police intervention, highlighting the tension surrounding the issue. As the AK and ZS weigh their options, the future trajectory of Czech farmers’ activism hangs in the balance, awaiting a definitive course of action.

Article by Prague Forum