AM: Ministry of Agriculture supports the replacement of plantations damaged by frost

According to the ministry’s statement, last year’s spring frost caused significant damage to the horticultural sector, which the Ministry of Agriculture is responding to with targeted measures. A new support opportunity is now opening up within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategy Plan: a call for funds totaling 2 billion forints will help replace plantations damaged by frost. In the first round, applications for the non-refundable support can be submitted by the affected farmers between February 5 and February 18, 2026 – Minister of Agriculture István Nagy drew attention to the fact that the ministry informed on its social media page. The minister stated that the call primarily supports the establishment of plantations that are able to adapt to changing climatic conditions, have high productivity and yield security. In addition, the application also aims to encourage the application of innovative production technology solutions necessary to meet changing market demands, modernize the variety selection, increase the area of ​​irrigated plantations, and promote the application of organic farming. The announcement recalled that this call was preceded by an investment support program for producers affected by frost, which ended at the end of last year, with a budget of 3 billion forints.

This enables farmers to make technological developments that can prevent or mitigate future spring frost damage

According to István Nagy, the government’s commitment is demonstrated by the fact that, in addition to supporting the horticultural sector, it is also continuously assisting grape and fruit producers who have suffered frost damage, even amidst the challenges, as it has created the possibility of advance payments, totaling 1.45 billion forints, after consultation with sector players. The ministry has reached an agreement with the European Commission to allow farmers who have suffered damage to receive extraordinary support totaling 4.2 billion forints, in which case applications can be submitted until February 10, 2026 – the minister highlighted.

MTI