The payment of bee animal welfare subsidies has begun

(Photo: Pixabay)

The head of the ministry reminded that about 20,000 people produce honey in Hungary, the number of bee colonies is close to 1.2 million, and the density of bees per square kilometer is one of the highest in the world. The importance of the beekeeping sector goes beyond itself, because without pollination many foods would disappear from store shelves.

That is why they help the players of the sector with several measures

The minister mentioned as an example that in the period between 2023-27, the beekeeping industry will receive support of around 42.7 million euros, including domestic co-financing. In order to improve the health of bee colonies, the government provides a special subsidy of HUF 1,000 per bee colony per year. In addition, in Hungary, in a unique way in the EU, animal welfare support can be used, the rate of which is EUR 30 per bee colony. The Hungarian State Treasury has already started paying the support to almost 2,500 customers, so almost one and a half billion forints will go to those concerned. The total budget between 2025-2029 is HUF 29 billion, which means HUF 5.8 billion annually for farmers. Listing the measures, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy highlighted the fact that from 2021, those involved in beekeeping will benefit from extremely favorable taxation, and beekeepers using trucks over 3.5 tons can claim back a large part of the truck’s maintenance costs.

He also touched on the fact that, at the initiative of our country, the honey labeling rules are changing for the benefit of beekeepers and consumers

Thus, it will be mandatory to indicate the place of origin and the exact percentage of the honey in the EU as well. We can also support farmers with a conscious consumer decision. In order to do this, we should consume Hungarian honey not only in the winter, during the flu season, but throughout the year – emphasized the Minister of Agriculture.

AM