Ministry of Agriculture: Our country continues to stand for effective plant and animal protection

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The Minister drew attention to the fact that Hungary considers the protection of farmers’ competitiveness and the issue of animal protection to be equally important, and therefore does not support regulations that would make any animal husbandry activity impossible. The European Commission has tabled a proposal that would make it more difficult for Hungarian farmers to export live animals. Animal husbandry is a particularly important area of ​​Hungarian agriculture, therefore the competitiveness of farmers and the sector must be protected – István Nagy indicated. According to the minister, Brussels cannot be allowed to support expectations that make the transport of animals and thus export impossible. “Our country’s goal is to create a legal framework that creates a balance, ensures a high level of animal welfare, takes into account the specificities of the Member States and the interests of the Hungarian agriculture and food industry,” he added. He emphasized that, while reducing the use and risks of pesticides, we must preserve the food security of our country and the European Union.

Non-chemical solutions should be preferred in the integrated pest management that ensures the sustainable use of pesticides

In addition, it must be taken into account that the alternatives approved in the EU are only to a limited extent suitable for replacing chemical pesticides. István Nagy also mentioned that Hungary supports facilitating the approval of biological pesticides. At the same time, however, he insists that the same rules apply to products arriving from third countries as to those produced in the EU. Effective plant protection is the basis for a safe food supply, the minister said, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s statement.

MTI