Focus on the domestic fishing sector at SIRHA Budapest

The “Kapj rá!” campaign awaits those interested with a 63 square meter stand. A joint press conference was held at the event by Szabolcs Szigeti, Deputy Secretary of State for the Implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy, Nándor Puskás, President of the Hungarian Aquaculture and Fisheries Professional Association and Péter Ondré, Managing Director of the Agricultural Marketing Centre NKft.

Szabolcs Szigeti emphasized that the resources of the Common Agricultural Policy and MAHOP Plusz continue to provide opportunities for technological developments, strengthening sustainability and increasing competitiveness by strengthening domestic micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. MAHOP Plusz strongly supports climate- and environment-friendly, circular farming solutions, as well as the preservation and development of the biodiversity of aquatic and wetland habitats. The support system provides the opportunity for domestic fish farmers to work in a predictable, stable operating environment in the long term. The production funds are available and the trend is encouraging. He drew attention to the fact that several investment schemes are currently open, and the Managing Authority is waiting for the submission of support applications.

Nándor Puskás, President of MA-HAL, pointed out that in Hungary, per capita fish consumption continues to lag behind the European Union average (currently 5.8 kg/person/year), therefore programs that serve to promote fish as a healthy, sustainable and versatile raw material are of paramount importance. The aim of the interprofessional organization is to make fish not only a seasonal food – primarily related to Christmas – among Hungarian consumers, but also to make it part of the diet at all times of the year. He added that the Hungarian fish farming, operating on approximately 26 thousand hectares, is not only a food production activity, but also a complex water management and ecological system that strengthens the water retention capacity of the Carpathian Basin. Domestic fish ponds also guarantee the survival of numerous wetlands, and are therefore of decisive importance from the perspective of nature conservation and landscape management. The sector therefore serves both sustainable food production and environmental adaptation.

Péter Ondré presented the future plans of the “Get it!” fish consumption campaign. The campaign, which will be implemented between 2025 and 2029, with European Union funds and domestic co-financing, aims to help consumers incorporate fish consumption into their everyday lives with understandable, inspiring messages and practical ideas. In addition to traditional media presence, the program’s communication tools also include digital platforms, social media and gastronomic collaborations. He emphasized that the campaign aims to shape long-term attitudes, focusing on health awareness, sustainability and support for domestic producers.

The message of the campaign is that fish is delicious, healthy and trendy. He said that at the SIRHA “Get it!” stand during the exhibition, visitors can taste fish snacks, among other things, but also spin the “wheels of fortune” for valuable gifts. Those interested can also see a fishing exhibition at the stand. AMC will promote fish consumption at two major events (FEHOVA and SIRHA) in 2026, and later at a Christmas fair and 8 roadshow stations.

The participants of the press conference agreed that the future of the fishing sector depends on the cooperation of industry players, government decision-makers and marketing specialists. Developing production and stimulating consumption are mutually reinforcing processes that contribute to strengthening the rural economy and healthier nutrition for the population.