This is the opinion of the Ministry of Agriculture on the cooperation of farmers in the Carpathian Basin

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Farmers in the Carpathian Basin can build on their common traditions. The present meeting also serves for further effective cooperation, where we can share our experiences on the agricultural support policy system of each country, learn from each other, and based on this, form our answers to the challenges of future agriculture. We can help each other to preserve and even increase our natural values ​​and the supporting capacity of the countryside, said the deputy minister. Sándor Farkas outlined the directions of Hungarian economic policy for the coming years in front of the professional audience. He called it important that the players in agriculture can acquire the most up-to-date knowledge, since, as he put it, the success of agriculture depends on whether it can keep up with the explosive changes taking place in the world and whether it can meet new challenges. For this, agricultural digitization, the acquisition of the most modern computer technology procedures, and the adoption of precision farming are unavoidable. The deputy minister outlined the expected development of Hungary’s agricultural support policy in 2023, the new KAP Strategic Plan and the agricultural support system. In his presentation, he indicated that quality food is a key national strategic issue. Agriculture and farming should be seen as a resource that, on the one hand, provides a living for those who work in it, and on the other hand, is the basis for the smooth food supply of the population. Food security challenges unseen for decades are occurring in many parts of the world. In Hungary, the food supply of the population is ensured, our country is self-sufficient in the majority of basic foodstuffs, and a significant export commodity base is created every year. At the same time, in the current, challenging situation, we consider it important to further strengthen food security, which is why we particularly support investments aimed at input efficiency and modernization of agriculture and the food industry, he said.

Hungarian agriculture is a chance in the face of difficulties

Sándor Farkas reminded that in the past 2-2.5 years, the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and the economic and energy crisis in their wake have imposed enormous responsibilities and tasks on many sectors. In response to this, in 2021, Hungary launched the “Renewable countryside, renewable agriculture” program. An unprecedented amount of resources are available for the development of Hungarian agriculture, food industry and rural settlements in the period between 2021 and 2027. The government provides national additional funding to the maximum extent provided by EU law, 80 percent, in addition to the EU development fund. The deputy minister called the most important development priority the creation of a resource-efficient agriculture and food industry that produces high added value, in addition, the promotion of the use of digital, precision technologies and the support of the digital transition of farms should be supported. An important goal in the future is to encourage the creation and maintenance of producer collaborations, as well as joint developments and investments, said Sándor Farkas.

AM