Vanda SvobodovaIn a remarkable display of unity and determination, farmers from the surrounding areas of Liberec took to the streets to voice their grievances against the state’s handling of agricultural policies. This protest, following a similar event in Česká Lípa, saw a convoy of about thirty-five agricultural machines arriving in Liberec around an hour before noon. Approximately seventy demonstrators gathered in front of the State Agricultural Intervention Fund (SZIF) office, where they presented a petition outlining their demands.
Pavel Cihlář, representing the farmers from ZOD Brniště, articulated the essence of their protest. “We came to show that we, the farmers, have strength and are capable of organizing ourselves to highlight the issues plaguing our sector,” he stated. The crux of their dissatisfaction lies in the disproportionate burden of bureaucracy that farmers face. According to Cihlář, this bureaucratic overload is driving many farmers away, as they grow weary of the constant administrative hurdles. “The state is incredibly heavy-handed with bureaucracy on us,” he added, emphasizing the need for a return to the common-sense farming practices of their forefathers. “Let’s go back to the fields as we used to, enjoying our work without the fear of filling out a form incorrectly,” he suggested.
Cihlář also pointed out the issue of constant changes in government strategies, which adds to the uncertainty and difficulty in planning for the future. “We would appreciate it if the state could clearly define what it expects from us and maintain consistent policies across political changes. Agriculture should not be managed on a yearly basis but in cycles, and our work needs to be planned accordingly,” he explained.
The farmers’ petition, comprising nine points of contention, was successfully handed over to the officials at SZIF in Liberec, unlike their previous attempt in Česká Lípa where no one was available to receive it. This gesture signifies a step forward in their quest for acknowledgment and action from the authorities.
In response to the protest, Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL) acknowledged that many of the issues raised are already being addressed or have reached a consensus. “Many of the points of protest are in some process of resolution, and some have already been established. For example, the debate on the proper setting of lease rates for state land has been resolved and approved at the ministry leadership meeting,” he stated. Výborný also mentioned efforts to minimize bureaucracy and criticized the excessive number of inspections. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing regarding adjustments to the Common Agricultural Policy, with a commitment to dedicate February to these discussions, indicating a willingness to address the concerns within the agricultural sector and the government coalition.
This protest in Liberec is a vivid illustration of the growing frustration among farmers with the current state of agricultural policy and bureaucracy. It underscores the need for a more streamlined, sensible approach to farming regulation, one that respects the wisdom and experience of those who work the land. As the dialogue between the farmers and the government continues, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved and whether the farmers’ calls for change will lead to tangible improvements in the agricultural sector.
