Important challenges await herbalists

By: STA Date: 2023. 11. 08. 09:00

The safety of the food chain must be guaranteed from its roots, i.e. from plant protection, therefore the professional up-to-dateness of plant doctors and plant protection engineers is not only of scientific interest, but also affects the lives of society and people – declared Dr. Márton Nobilis, the Secretary of State responsible for the food industry and trade policy of the Ministry of Agriculture in the XVIII. Herbalist Day, in Budapest.

(Photo: AM/Csaba Pelsőczy)

The Secretary of State added that there are many tasks for specialists dealing with plants, as we live in an extremely changing world. He explained that Hungary also faces great challenges, because in the second half of next year, our country will hold the consecutive EU presidency. During this period, a serious role will also be assigned to herbalists, whose professional cooperation will continue to be necessary, because strictures in the name of sustainability are expected in the European Union. The implementation of sustainable plant protection and the reduction of the use of chemical plant protection agents also appear among the EU goals, he added. Dr. Márton Nobilis emphasized that the main aim during the negotiation of the draft regulations is to create a new regulation that contributes to the achievement of environmental and climate goals without jeopardizing the competitiveness of farmers and food security. The Ministry of Agriculture relies on the expertise of herbalists, who will further strengthen Hungary’s food supply with their scientific results and recommendations, he added.