The kitchen garden is the hidden resource of Hungarian families

By: STA Date: 2025. 04. 29. 09:00

Home garden production is of decisive importance in the production of good quality and healthy food. However, gardening is also a community-forming, value-creating work that passes on local traditions and cultivation experiences. Thus, strengthening self-sufficiency and supporting garden culture, to which the Ministry of Agriculture is also committed, is beneficial in many ways – said István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture, at the joint conference of Provident and the Hungarian Ecumenical Aid Organization.

(Photo: Pixabay)

According to István Nagy, home garden production plays a commendable role in food security and the production of healthy, high-quality food and in the spread of organic food consumption. More and more people in Hungary are choosing small-scale production, thus striving to grow their own fruits, vegetables, or even herbs instead of or in addition to buying them. “We are proud of the nationally significant, value-creating activity carried out by hundreds of thousands of garden owners. We support the re-founding of every square foot of land,” he added.

The expertise and hard work that make it possible to cultivate gardens deserve appreciation and attention

The government recognized and supported this work by enabling direct sales for small producers in 2010. In addition, the short supply chain helps to ensure that the benefits from locally produced, quality Hungarian products remain local. In 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture announced a call for applications for support from local governments, local minority governments and non-profit organizations operating in rural areas for the creation and development of markets and fairgrounds, István Nagy reminded. He also drew attention to the fact that a new tender was published this year to support the development and establishment of short supply chains with a budget of 1.6 billion forints, and applications for support will be possible from May 14. István Nagy also mentioned that the “Rural infrastructure development in closed garden areas” initiative was established with the spring amendment of the CAP Strategic Plan, which can primarily promote the reuse and better accessibility of neglected lands. The regular cultivation of these areas contributes to the revitalization of local agricultural production and the maintenance of the lifestyle associated with it. The cultivation of closed gardens provides an opportunity to preserve genetic diversity, and traditional gardening plays an important role in the catching up of disadvantaged regions. It promotes self-sufficiency, improves food production opportunities, and also contributes to the expansion of income-generating opportunities in rural areas.

With the rediscovery of the countryside, farms are also being revived

The ministry also considers these as an important location for backyard farming, and is therefore committed to supporting their survival and development. In line with this, the call for proposals entitled “Support for rural infrastructure developments on farms” will soon be published based on the CAP Strategic Plan. Private individuals whose registered place of residence or place of stay has been on the farm affected by the development continuously for the 6 months preceding the submission of the application for support can apply for this, the minister explained.