The Ministry of Agriculture of Czechia has presented a strategy for the development of the pig farming and pork sector whose main objective is to increase the country's self-sufficiency and improve the competitiveness of domestic producers and processors through investment, modernization, innovation, and digitalization.
Pork accounts for more than half of total meat consumption in Czechia, with annual consumption exceeding 43 kg per capita. However, the sector has been facing foreign competition and strong price fluctuations for years, with prices frequently falling below production costs, a situation that has contributed to a decline in the pig herd.
Although the number of pigs has shown a slight recovery over the past three years, domestic production remains insufficient to meet demand. At the end of 2025, the pig population increased by 29.284 animals (+2,1%), reaching 1.451.107 pigs. However, domestic consumption has been between 437.000 and 466.000 tonnes of carcass weight for years and, according to the Ministry, self-sufficiency in pork fell in 2025 to a record low of 46,1%.
To reverse this situation, the strategy includes investments in the modernisation of pig farms, automation, digital technologies and precision livestock farming systems. The aim is to expand automated feeding systems, monitoring of farm conditions and the animals’ health and reproductive status, as well as technologies for managing ventilation and energy consumption.
Another key area will be to increase the processing capacity for domestic production. According to the Ministry, Czech slaughterhouses and processing companies have unused capacity, making it possible to increase the number of slaughterings and the processing of domestic pork without building new plants. Aid will focus on modernising slaughterhouses, cutting rooms, meat processing facilities, storage and logistics, as well as promoting automation and higher value-added technologies.
Pig producers can already access national aid programmes to improve the animals’ genetic potential, the health status of farms and animal welfare conditions. Aid under the CAP Strategic Plan, financial support programmes, tax benefits linked to so-called “green diesel” and national incentives for investment in the processing of meat and meat products are also envisaged.
The strategy also aims to strengthen the presence of Czech pork on the domestic market, including through greater use in institutional catering. To this end, quality schemes, food origin, improved traceability and higher value-added products will be promoted. The Ministry also considers it necessary to reduce administrative burdens, streamline authorisation procedures and provide a stable business environment that facilitates long-term investment and adaptation to new requirements for animal welfare, the environment and biosecurity.
3 September 2026 / Ministry of Agriculture / Czech Republic.
https://mze.gov.cz