Development programs ensure the future of the Hungarian pig sector

(Photo: AM/Csaba Pelsőczy)

Zsolt Feldman expects the subsidies to improve production efficiency and is confident that the Hungarian pig sector can also be more competitive on the international market. Within the framework of the Rural Development Program, almost 450 pig-breeding enterprises have received a total of about 85 billion forints in development funds, and 10.2 billion forints are available for pig fattening animal welfare support this year – he added. The Secretary of State highlighted that pork is a traditional staple of Hungarian cuisine and has been one of the most basic foods in Hungary for centuries, yet it makes sense to promote it year after year, because consumers always need to be shown something new. Consumption promotion campaigns are also necessary because it is not enough to simply draw attention to the importance of pork; in the midst of the challenges, consumption habits must also be protected, as pork is a valuable source of protein and can be safely consumed with a balanced lifestyle, he said.

The president of the Hungarian Meat Industry Association explained the situation of the pig sector and explained that livestock farmers had a good period in the last 2 years

The domestic pig population, which was 2.6 million a year ago, increased by almost 100 thousand by the summer, while there is hardly any visible growth at the European level, and in most of the largest pig-raising countries, the populations have even fallen significantly – said Tamás Éder, who expects a 6-7 percent increase in the number of slaughtered animals domestically on an annual basis compared to last year. The meat products sector may end the year with a 5-6 percent increase in performance, but import pressure is worsening the outlook, as Polish, German, Austrian or Spanish pork can regularly be found in Hungarian stores. Together with trade partners, buyers can also help Hungarian producers by giving preference to domestically produced pork during the festive preparation period. Prices have not increased compared to last year, the future of pig farmers, their developments and profitability depend on consumer awareness – emphasized the head of the interest group. The deputy managing director of the Agricultural Marketing Center (AMC) explained that the annual pork consumption promotion campaigns organized every year since 2013 have increased by almost 10 kilograms per capita in the last 10 years, reaching 30 kilograms. Hungarian pork has therefore returned to its rightful place in Hungarian households – said Gergely Giczi, adding that this year the campaign will also focus on the excellent quality of Hungarian pork and its essential nutritional values ​​for a varied diet. AMC will also promote pork consumption on social media, and from December 5, a prize draw will be announced. Participants can send ideas for the slogan of the 2025 campaign to the organizers.

MTI