Adaptation and competitiveness are key for the horticultural sector

At the opening of the 11th Zsendüles conference, József Viski said that the horticultural sector is highly exposed to weather risks and can react very sensitively to certain market and economic processes. The State Secretary cited as examples the spring frosts last year, which had not been experienced for decades, as well as the drought that is becoming increasingly pronounced every year, which are testing farmers, the damage mitigation system and insurers alike. He mentioned that in addition to the support provided for the insurance premium, a damage mitigation advance was paid last year for the first time. He explained that efforts must be made to not only compensate for the damage by retaining water, providing irrigation water free of charge, and providing support for the development of irrigation infrastructure, but also to try to mitigate the risks. The politician said that it is necessary to establish plantations and grow crops that are more resistant to weather risks. Support is being provided for the purchase of equipment that can provide effective assistance to agricultural producers, the horticulture and fruit growing sectors for stable farming. The government’s task is to help the sector by providing predictable normative support, and to put the fruit and vegetable sector on an even more developing path with development resources – emphasized József Viski.

The Hungarian government provides the resources of the common agricultural policy with 80 percent co-financing

Thanks to this, an opportunity has opened up for agriculture, the food industry, and within it, the fruit and vegetable sector, which has not been seen in Hungary in the past 30-35 years. The horticultural sector has received 160 billion forints in investment support in the past 10 years, and a larger amount is available in the next five years – the State Secretary announced, adding that it is very important that these supports are used effectively. József Viski stressed that we must adapt to the weather and the increased competition, because we do not know what awaits us in the future, what weather conditions we will encounter in five years or what the agricultural support system will be like in the European Union in 2028. He added: our prospects are not very encouraging for now. The State Secretary stated that with the conclusion of various free trade agreements, the market competition situation will change significantly in the EU, therefore it is important for Hungary to have a stable, strong fruit and vegetable sector. The Ministry of Agriculture provides and will provide all support for this in the future – he said.

AM/MTI