Agriculture Ministry to seek repayment of CZK 5.1 billion in subsidies from Agrofert

The Czech Ministry of Agriculture will seek repayment of 5.1 billion crowns in subsidies from companies belonging to the Agrofert holding, Minister Marek Výborný (SPOLU) told Seznam Zprávy. The funds were granted between 2017 and 2021, when, according to the ministry, Agrofert’s ultimate owner, ANO leader Andrej Babiš, was in a conflict of interest. According to Výborný, the bulk of the contested sum consists of European entitlement subsidies, though national support payments are also included.

Agrofert CEO Josef Mráz has said the company sees no reason to return the money and intends to challenge the decision in court.