AM: strategic goal for Hungary to become self-sufficient in potato production

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In connection with the International Potato Day announced for the second time by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the state secretary drew attention to the growing importance of potatoes worldwide, as this vegetable is the third most important food after rice and wheat. The Ministry of Agriculture is therefore doing everything it can to ensure that Hungary becomes self-sufficient in potatoes.

Currently, 28 percent of domestic consumption is covered by imports, while the export rate is only 2 percent

The domestic production area ranges between 6-10 thousand hectares, and approximately 170-270 thousand tons of potatoes are grown in these areas annually. The State Secretary responsible for agriculture underlined: the goal is to satisfy consumer needs all year round, balance out crop fluctuations, increase the number of producers, and increase the proportion of Hungarian produce on store shelves. Imre Hubai explained that the Ministry of Agriculture is assisting farmers with numerous supports through the instruments of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): in 2021-2022, more than 10 thousand agricultural and food industry enterprises received support totaling over 1,200 billion forints. The horticultural sector was given a particularly prominent role: greenhouses, cold storages, post-harvest technologies, machinery purchases, and the development of irrigation communities have all become available. The 2024 call for proposals entitled “Support for the technological development of horticultural plants” alone received 2,106 applications worth more than 40 billion forints, he listed.

The ministry’s priority goal is to ensure that Hungarian potatoes reach consumers’ tables in good quality and at an affordable price

This requires logistical developments – especially the expansion of cold storage capacities – and irrigation development. But the establishment of producer cooperation is equally important, as farmers can strengthen their bargaining position in the food supply chain through these – the state secretary emphasized, according to the statement.

MTI