The government provides significant funding to support the development of crop dryers

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The minister added that the support provides tangible assistance to farmers in the safe, efficient and sustainable management of their crops. In the first decision round, the parties concerned received support decisions for the implementation of 116 typically small and medium-scale investments, totaling 7.7 billion forints. Decisions will be made continuously in the coming weeks, and by reallocating funds, we will support all formally compliant applications that have achieved the minimum score. The Minister explained that the aim of the call announced in the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan is to increase the added value of domestic crops, through which the market position of Hungarian agriculture can be strengthened. This support not only helps to implement new facilities, but also to modernize existing capacities, with particular emphasis on improving energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. A total of 516 support applications were received in response to the call in the two submission stages, worth 38.4 billion forints. This clearly indicates that there is a real demand for developments on the part of farmers, as applications were submitted for 2.5 times the original 15 billion forints budget. The amount of non-refundable support that can be obtained can be a maximum of 100 million forints.

This support scheme was also available to a wide range of applicants, with particular attention to small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises.

Smaller-scale developments can also significantly strengthen the local economy, as investments improve the conditions for local processing, which increases the retention capacity of the countryside by maintaining jobs. However, these developments represent progress not only from an economic but also from an environmental perspective. The use of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy reduces operating costs, reduces emissions, and ensures more sustainable operation for agricultural enterprises in the long term. The Ministry of Agriculture also supports the implementation of these projects by applying for preferential advances and providing interest-subsidized loans. The government’s goal is clear: agriculture must be profitable, competitive and environmentally conscious at the same time, while paying special attention to small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. These support decisions serve our goals at the same time – emphasized István Nagy.

AM