We will protect the safety of Hungarian food by all means.

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 02. 18. 10:04

🎧 Hallgasd a cikket: Nyelv: Sebesség: 1.05×

Hungary is doing everything it can to ensure that only agricultural products that fully comply with EU regulations and strict traceability rules can enter the European Union market, emphasized István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture, at the opening of the 72nd Plant Protection Science Days at the headquarters of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The Minister emphasized that Hungarian food is of excellent quality and safe, and the work of our plant protection specialists is a safety net for this.

István Nagy emphasized that plant protection specialists perform a particularly important task, since 80 percent of the food and feed produced in Hungary is of plant origin, and in order for safe food to reach our tables, healthy soil and plants are needed. The Minister emphasized that the cooperation between plant protection experts, specialized authorities and farmers ensures that Hungarian products meet the strictest domestic and EU requirements. Hungary is committed to protecting European and Hungarian consumers by tightening import rules and consistently enforcing residue limits.

The Minister of Agriculture firmly rejected the unfounded allegations against Hungarian apples. As he pointed out, it was an imported product, and Hungarian apples are safe, of high quality, and comply with all applicable plant protection and food safety regulations. The government will continue to take action against any attacks that unjustifiably endanger the good reputation of domestic producers.

The Minister also spoke about the golden yellow grape disease, the increased spread of which posed a serious challenge to domestic grape growing last year. He recalled that the government had introduced immediate measures; 3.8 billion has been allocated for detection, spraying and the eradication of affected plantations. The Minister of Agriculture indicated that the action plan for this year’s tasks is being prepared based on the experience gained so far, which includes, in addition to plant health and plant protection measures, the issue of subsidies and neglected plantations.

The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that plant protection is no longer just a technological issue, but a matter of national strategy. Climate change, the emergence of new pests and globalized trade pose increased risks, therefore prevention and strict control are particularly important, and the practical application of modern technologies in line with the new challenges is particularly important.

Hungary continues to advocate that the interests of European farmers and consumers must be treated first. We will protect the safety of Hungarian food by all means, and we will not give in to this anymore – said István Nagy.

At the event, the Minister of Agriculture recognized the outstanding professional work of the plant protection experts by presenting them with certificates.