As part of the 2026 Země živitelka agricultural fair, Minister Karel Havlíček and Minister of Agriculture Martin Šebestyán visited the joint stand of five departmental research institutes. During an open discussion with the institutes’ management and researchers present, Minister Havlíček clearly expressed his support for the research sector and pledged to increase funding for science and research.
The joint exhibition brought together five key research institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture: The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), the Institute of Animal Science (IAS), the Research Institute for Soil and Water Conservation (VÚMOP), the Czech Agrifood Research Center (CARC), and the Forestry and Game Management Research Institute (FGMR). The presentation demonstrated close collaboration and the interdisciplinary overlap of modern agricultural science in practice.
Constructive discussion on the future of research and a pledge to increase funding. At the exhibition stand, researchers from the individual institutions discussed with both ministers the specific challenges facing research in practice – from administrative burdens and technology transfer to the stability of project funding. Its Director, Doc. Martin Faldyna, actively represented the Veterinary Research Institute’s position. He highlighted the indispensable role of veterinary research in infectious diseases, biosafety, animal welfare, and the One Health approach, which connects animal, human, and environmental health. He also emphasised the need for long-term and predictable institutional support to maintain leading research teams and laboratory infrastructure.
In response to the researchers’ input, Minister Karel Havlíček underlined that applied research is a key pillar of competitiveness.
“Science and innovation are the driving forces behind a modern economy, and agriculture is no exception. To keep pace with the world and respond swiftly to technological and environmental changes, we must provide adequate support for science. I can pledge that we will increase funding for science and research. We want cutting-edge findings from our research institutes to be transferred into practice more effectively and rapidly.“
Minister of Agriculture Martin Šebestyán praised the synergies and benefits of departmental research for the practice.
“I am pleased that all five of our research institutes are presenting their work together. The challenges we face today – from soil and water protection and the health of crops and livestock to food safety and quality – require a comprehensive approach. The work of our scientists has a direct impact on both self-sufficiency and the quality of life of our citizens and deserves our full support.”
The institutes’ management and researchers present welcomed the specific pledge to increase funding for science, as well as the constructive dialogue, which confirmed the importance of research conducted by the departmental institutes for the Czech economy as a whole.
