AM: Visegrad Four to act together for farmers’ interests against Brussels

The statement quoted Agriculture Minister István Nagy, who stated at the V4 meeting in Brussels that a unified position means strength, which is why it is particularly important that the Visegrad Four have always managed to maintain cooperation in agriculture, as we stand on the side of farmers. The Minister explained that the European Commission cannot ignore the determination shown by farmers at the Brussels demonstration in December, which is why it has initiated a crisis meeting with the EU’s agriculture ministers. István Nagy pointed out that our position is clear: farmers are right, as Brussels’ measures so far have caused a significant competitive disadvantage and are endangering their future and livelihood. The free trade agreement between Brussels and Ukraine, the planned reduction in agricultural subsidies, and the EU-Mercosur trade agreement could mean the execution of European agriculture, which we cannot allow. It is unacceptable that the payment of Common Agricultural Policy funds should be tied to perceived or real political expectations independent of agriculture. Food security cannot be made part of everyday political games – the minister emphasized in the AM statement. István Nagy stated that the Hungarian position is clear: the current EU agricultural support system and the funds due to farmers must be preserved, and we cannot let the money of producers be taken and then given to Ukraine. A Common Agricultural Policy with a separate budget and based on two pillars is still needed, because this serves to preserve the competitiveness of farmers and maintain food security – the head of the ministry emphasized in the AM statement. In the video message on Facebook attached to the AM statement, István Nagy also drew attention to the fact that “we will protect the interests of farmers!”

MTI