Imre Hubai: Hungarian wine is an unparalleled national treasure

According to Imre Hubai, the competitiveness and ability to renew of Hungarian producers are proclaimed by the almost 2,700 bottles of wine that were entered for the competition. The competition organizer, the National Council of Mountain Villages (HNT), also contributed to their success, as the results of the cooperation with them include, among others, harvest inspections, which have reduced buyer abuses, as well as the efficient use of subsidies, the resolution of regulatory issues, and the one-stop shop that reduces the administrative burden on winemakers.

According to Imre Hubai, winemaking is increasingly a strategic sector, as its importance is decisive in employment and tourism, and it also constitutes a cultural heritage and a community-building force. The government is therefore providing long-term subsidies, adapting to changing circumstances, for, among other things, the modernization of vineyards and other investments, innovation and marketing.

The budget for such purposes from 2024 to 2027 is almost 112 million euros, which is also necessary because modern technology is more important today than ever before. Those who have not taken advantage of these opportunities in recent years and have lagged behind in modernisation are finding it increasingly difficult to meet consumer demands.

At the same time, the subsidies help everyone, and the application periods have been modified to better suit the needs of producers, and the innovation investment subsidy, which appears as a new application element, can pave the way for the latest technologies and processes so that producers can reach new markets. Support for the restructuring and conversion of vineyards can be applied for between 20 July and 15 August, and investment subsidies between 15 November and 15 December.