The Ministry of Agriculture particularly supports the preservation of indigenous varieties

(Photo: AM/Tibor Vermes)

Zsolt Feldman emphasized that throughout our history gray cattle were considered one of the most important export items, the economic utilization of which has significantly decreased in the last hundred years. Nowadays, it is considered a symbolic animal of Hungarian agriculture, and the Ministry of Agriculture also considers the preservation of this indigenous breed important. As part of the support for native breeds, gray cattle breeders can request a fund of 500 euros per individual per year – indicated the state secretary, who says that the financial assistance will greatly contribute to the survival and future development of the domestic herd of 10,000 animals. He also touched on the fact that the “beautiful, robust” animal, i.e. the gray cattle, is also hungaricum, in the preservation of which the gene preservation institutions also play a role. Furthermore, the Hungarian state is the largest maintainer of gray cattle: in the national parks – from Hortobágy to Fertő-Hanság – there are very beautiful and significant herds. More than 350 gray cattle were driven over the old bridge in Tiszaug on Saturday morning. Zsolt Feldman added, “This event respects and preserves tradition, as well as a future-oriented holiday, which shows the diverse face of agriculture to those interested, who can get to know agricultural machinery in addition to the goulash drive.”

AM