FROM LARGE-SCALE COMMUNIST AGRICULTURAL PREMISE THROUGH ABANDONED CONTAMINATED RUIN TO ORGANIC FARMING PRODUCTION: THE STORY OF SUCCESSFUL POST-AGRICULTURAL BROWNFIELD REGENERATION

Abstract

In the post-socialist period, rural areas of Central and Eastern Europe underwent a complex transformation process that resulted in creation of numerous large-scale abandoned post-agricultural premises not unlike industrial brownfields. Our study aims to reveal hidden but critical points of successful and sustainable regeneration of abandoned and contaminated ruin of the former socialistic cowshed that can be transferred to other communities dealing with a similar issue. Our case study is located in the municipality Čejkovice in the South Moravian Region, Czech Republic. By means of qualitative analysis of all available documentation and interviews with stakeholders, we followed the unique and complicated story of the 30 years lasting (between 1990-2020) regeneration. The following factors governing successful regeneration process were identified: i) orientation on pro-environmental production encompassing certified organic agriculture; ii) preserving of heritage of the site; iii) transfer of know-how and support of start-up financial capital from Austria; iv) existing external market for products; v) networking of partners and cooperation with local farmers; vi) educational activities in the field of environmentally friendly agricultural production; vii) innovation in the field of greening of production, storage and distribution of products; viii) development of tourism activities as a specific way of communication with customers and potential suppliers.