Balázs Győrffy: “Agriculture is a sector of special strategic importance”

– What was 2022 like for Hungarian agriculture?

– The war, which has been going on for more than a year, and the ensuing sanctions have fundamentally changed how the European Union’s (EU) economy works. As the conflict is between two key agri-food players of the global market, the negative effects of the war could be felt many times stronger in the world of agriculture and food production. To make things even worse, last summer was one of the driest in the history of Hungary. In spite of all these hardships, in 2022 farmers, processing companies and retailers were able to provide Hungarians with quality food – mostly from Hungarian origin. I think it has become clear for everyone by now that agriculture is a sector of special strategic importance.

– This year a new period started in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the EU. How will this define future directions in the sector?

– CAP sets the framework conditions for the funding of agriculture in the 2023-2027 period. More than HUF 6,200bn will be available for development in the sector, and one of the priorities in Hungary is to increase the level of domestic processing, which could give new impetus to the food industry. One of NAK’s most important tasks this year is informing members about the rules of the new CAP period and the grants available. NAK’s food industry coordinators continue to visit our food industry members, helping them to identify problems, sharing information in a targeted fashion, and establishing close relationships with them.

– Last year NAK did a consumer needs survey, as part of a new concept. What was this about exactly?

– NAK conducted this survey to analyse actual consumer needs, so that we can continue our work with these in mind, because strategic planning will play a key role at both sectoral and company level in the years to come. The focus should be on working out the right development directions and the related production conditions, because from 2023-2024 big budgets become available for funding that can lay the groundwork for large-scale development.

– How can you help NAK members in connection with the regulations?

– We keep monitoring the different product paths, plus we submit regulation and funding related recommendations to the ministries. NAK gives its opinion on draft legislations. We represent the interests of member and do lobbying work. NAK also participated in developing the framework for the High Quality Food (KMÉ) trademark system. NAK members get the opportunity to form thematic working groups for managing various problems.

– NAK has been a co-organiser of the Profession Star Festival. Why was this important for you?

– We introduced more than 20 different trades at the Profession Star Festival. NAK wishes to satisfy the needs of the labour market, and contribute to the process of generation change. We also regularly organise summer camps and career orientation days.

– What trade programmes and activities do you have planned for this year?

– NAK continues the successful workshops of former years, where members can learn about benchmark technologies, Industry 4.0 digital solutions and robotics, but we also put great emphasis on product innovation and best practices in production. In collaboration with the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), we have planned three programmes for members: these can help them shape their product selection to meet the needs of specific foreign markets, learn about local product launch rules, and meet the representatives of the most important retail channels in these countries.