NAK considers supporting small-scale crop production a priority

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Plant protection regulations in the European Union are becoming stricter every year, and due to the narrowing range of active substances, the plant protection of so-called small-scale crops poses increasing challenges for farmers. Although these crops may play an important role in production regionally, most vegetable and fruit species, as well as medicinal and ornamental plants, can be classified in this category. The Small Crops Working Group of the National Chamber of Agriculture is committed to providing farmers in small crops in Hungary with appropriate plant protection solutions. In previous years, the working group has established close cooperation with the National Food Chain Safety Office and professional organizations such as the Plant Protection Association, the Chamber of Plant Medicine, FruitVeB, the Medicinal Plant Association and the Product Council, as well as with pesticide manufacturers and producer organizations. Thanks to the collaboration, this year the authority has authorized the use of a total of 40 products for 400 small crops. The step was a major help for small crop farmers.

The last meeting of the working group took place on November 11, 2024 in Dunaharaszti

Here, following the preliminary survey, the members jointly reviewed the results achieved and the further steps to be taken. At the meeting, Viktor Balázs, NAK’s National Vice President for Environmental Sustainability and Innovation, introduced the new head of the working group, Zsófia Filler, and highlighted the opportunities for expanding the licensing of small crops, including simplifying the licensing of active substances and introducing new technologies. He described the situation of the EU pesticide market and the difficulties of technological gaps, as well as the efforts of the emerging international Biocontrol Coalition.

The Vice President highlighted the importance of constructive cooperation with authorities and partner organizations

NAK continues to support the development of small crop plant protection solutions and cooperation with professional partners, helping domestic farmers operate effectively. The working group considers the simplification of the licensing process of active substances, the development of small crops and the use of foreign data for faster licensing processes as a high priority. The proposals for cooperation and communication can represent a significant step forward in supporting small crops.

NAK