Hungary’s EU presidency: soil protection is the basis of everything

(Photo: AM/Tibor Vermes)

The head of the ministry drew attention to the fact that Hungary wants to establish a productive working relationship with its partners in connection with the presidency, and the large international conferences that Hungary will have to organize provide a good basis for this. The minister emphasized that it was extremely hurtful for us that many people blamed farmers for climate change. We must reject this in the strongest possible terms. If there is anyone who has a basic interest in the climate being suitable, it is the farmers, whose land is the basis of their livelihood and future. He explained that the Common Agricultural Policy already contains measures that encourage the reduction of pesticides. Thanks to precision farming – using drones – we are much more effective, for example, in the field of plant protection.

Water management issues were also discussed at the meeting

The minister reminded that Hungarian agriculture also has to deal with floods, inland water and historical drought. In this situation, the role of irrigation farming is even more appreciated. They would like to achieve that larger EU resources and subsidies are available for this purpose as well. By using precision technologies, we can effectively return water to the landscape. At the meeting, the minister also mentioned that there are great opportunities in the aquaculture sector and freshwater fish farming. We see that maritime capacities are diminishing, and social needs must be met. I would like to achieve a change of attitude in this area, which is why we are also paying special attention to this area during the EU presidency.

AM