Czech Republic to provide $180 mln to farmers for drought losses

The Czech Ministry of Agriculture will provide CZK 3.8 bln (around $180 mln) to farmers to compensate for losses caused by drought in 2026. The funding will come from the EU budget and government resources, with payments scheduled for the first half of 2027.

Prolonged drought and heat this summer have reduced crop yields and caused shortages of livestock feed. Temperatures in the Czech Republic reached 40°C during much of the summer, while rainfall remained extremely limited.

According to Agriculture Minister Martin Šebestyán, priority will be given to farms affected by a combination of drought, high production costs and unfavorable market conditions. Farms with intensive livestock production and growers of drought-sensitive crops will also receive particular attention.

The financial support is intended to partially offset farmers’ losses and help them maintain production following a difficult season. The greatest pressure is being felt by farms facing lower yields alongside rising costs and shortages of livestock feed.

Tags: drought, Czech Republic, subsidies