Czech Republic

Czech Republic covers about 78,900 km² in Central Europe and is characterised by a landscape of rolling plains, river valleys and low mountain ranges. Major rivers such as the Vltava River support agriculture across fertile lowland regions. The country has a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, favourable for crop farming.

Historically, agriculture developed alongside rural settlements and estates. During the 20th century under socialist rule, farming was organised into large collective farms. After the political and economic transition in the 1990s, agriculture became more market-oriented while retaining relatively large farm structures.

Today, the primary sector contributes about 2–3% of GDP and remains important for rural areas. Around 50% of the land is used for agriculture. Key crops include wheat, barley, maize and sugar beet. The Czech Republic is also known for hops production, which supports its brewing industry. Livestock farming includes cattle, pigs and poultry.

Forests cover roughly 34% of the country’s territory, making forestry an important sector.

The Czech Republic has no marine fisheries, but freshwater fishing takes place in rivers and ponds.

Overall, the primary sector reflects the country’s temperate climate and fertile soils: mixed crop farming, livestock production and forest resources. While industry and services dominate the economy, agriculture and forestry continue to contribute to food production and rural livelihoods.

In his youth, Gerold was actively involved in church-based youth work in Reepsholt and participated in development initiatives with Brot für die Welt. Through the Landesjugendring, Gerold joined a group trip to Prague in April 1980, during the Brezhnev era, when travel to Eastern Bloc countries was still highly restricted. The group drove to Prague, where Gerold was deeply impressed by the historic architecture, particularly Prague Castle and the atmosphere of the city. Following the political changes in Europe, Gerold and Klaudia revisited the Czech Republic in 2007 and 2015.