AM: Hungarian-French relations must be further strengthened

Hungary is committed to strengthening Hungarian-French agricultural professional, political and commercial relations, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture (AM) on Thursday, István Nagy, who received Claire Legras, the French ambassador to Budapest, in his office.

(Photo: AM/István Fekete)

The head of the ministry drew attention to the fact that Hungary maintains good relations with France at both the professional and agricultural policy levels. The interests of Hungarian and French farmers coincide, so the French opinion is always a very important reference point for us, he added. According to the announcement, the minister also touched on the fact that at the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Ukrainian ports were closed, which is why Ukrainian grain could not reach its traditional markets via the traditional route, which is why the solidarity corridor was created, which, however, did not fulfill its original purpose. works properly. Land transport is much more expensive than water, so grain is stuck in border countries. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ukrainian agricultural products can be bought significantly cheaper than Hungarian grain, as a result of which the domestic grain market has practically stopped, and farmers are unable to do so. He drew attention to the fact that this is not felt as much in the more distant parts of the EU, because the price advantage no longer appears there due to the high transport costs. Ukraine’s production conditions are different, and producers have to meet different requirements than EU farmers. If the European community allows these products to enter its markets without control, it will fundamentally transform the entire agricultural economy. Hungary stands in solidarity with Ukraine, but at the same time, the interests of Hungarian farmers must be protected – he emphasized. István Nagy also drew attention to the fact that the Hungarian side has not blocked transit shipments, and has even taken steps to increase transshipment capacities, thereby speeding up the onward delivery of products. He explained that solutions must be found at the European level to prevent the market distortion effects of Ukrainian agricultural products. Although Brussels has taken steps, the problem cannot be solved by providing support to the affected member states. It would be necessary for the EU to create a system and provide resources for it, which would allow these crops to leave the frontline countries and reach the traditional receiving markets.

Grapes and wine were also leading themes

In the framework of the discussion, agricultural and food industry geographical indications for grapes and wine, the possibility of strengthening cooperation in the field of agricultural vocational training, and the issue of pesticide use were also discussed. The head of the ministry highlighted that Hungary agrees that the use of plant protection products should be reduced at the EU level, but for the decision it is necessary to know how much more food will be paid for as a result. The European Commission’s lawnmower-like reduction proposal for all Member States did not take into account the different starting points of each Member State and the results achieved so far. Regarding the negotiations of free trade agreements, István Nagy said that it should be kept in mind that only imported products can be marketed in the Union whose production rules and conditions are the same as the EU regulations and requirements – the ministry informed in its announcement.

MTI