The Czech Republic unfortunately leads in the ranking of the largest average size per farm in Europe. This is related to high rates of erosion (more than 50 % of czech soil) and other ways of soil degradation, as well as profiteers pressure on land prices. Nadace Pro půdu responds to this situation with her philosophy that land is our common gift and not just a means of production and commodity.
The first ideas to found the trust were discussed between 2013 and 2015.
Nadace Pro půdu was officially founded in January 2016 by its founders Miloslav and Zuzana Knížek (the former owner of the Bemagro farm) who donated the first 200 hectares at the beginning of its existence (and in the next years in total 472 hectares). The first land purchase for a small-scale organic farmer in 2018 was the next turning point. Since then, we realized 2 other purchases of land for 2 more farms. Today (in 2022) NPP is a steward of 493 ha that are farmed by 4 farms in various parts of the Czech republic (1 big organic farm, 2 small organic farms and 1 community based project).
The mission of Nadace Pro půdu (Trust for Soil) is to protect land from degradation and speculation and to contribute to a more responsible relationship of man towards the soil and thereby towards the Earth we are living on. The principle is that we buy land for small-scale organic farmers, allowing access to land for those who can’t afford it and take care of it with love and responsibility. In doing so we facilitate entrance of newcomers to farming and support the resilience of the current small-scale organic farmers.
Nadace Pro půdu is formed under the legislation of the Czech Republic as a foundation (similar to a trust). It has a governing board with 5 members and a supervisory board with 3 members. The land that enters the foundation’s basic asset has from then on an asset lock and cannot be sold not even with the decision of the board.
Our main activity is to support small-scale organic farmers who are in trouble with accessing land by buying the land and entrusting it to them under agreed conditions that ensure a good care of the land. We are focusing on farmers who have at least 3 years of experience in organic farming. It doesn’t stop there, we continue to regularly consult with our farmers to find ways to improve the soil quality they farm. Our support consists in facilitating soil analysis (laboratory as well as sensory) to understand the current state, and also providing knowledge and consultancy with experts.
The second activity is collaboration on the forming Center Konipas, which is being set up to support beginning farmers. The center is located on our land and the aim is to build a training farm where people interested in farming can learn various regenerative farming skills, gain practice, including the use of horses for agricultural activities. The whole model is also part of a CSA farm system.
Last but not least we focus on promoting a responsible and caring relationship to soil among the broad public.
Since its formation, Nadace Pro půdu has purchased land for three projects. The first one (3 ha) is a small CSA farm Biostatek (farmed by Vojtěch Veselý) who breeds sheep. The second project (16 ha) is the Konipas training center for new entrants to farming, where NPP became one of the three founding members and continues to participate in its development. The latest (2022) acquisition (1 ha) is a community orchard of a local association ZAzemí.
Another task is the management of the 472 donated hectares farmed by the organic farm Bemagro, where extensive soil monitoring and consultancy is underway.
Funding comes from leasing the tenancies, and through fundraising campaigns and private companies donors.
In 2021 we were finalists in the SDGs awards for the Czech Republic.
