István Nagy: the future belongs to family farms

(Photo: AM)

The Minister reminded that Hungarian agriculture has faced numerous challenges in the recent period, from early spring frosts to epidemics caused by animal and plant viruses and drought. He added that appropriate responses had to be given to the difficulties of the market situation. We are now also in the phase where we have to plan what the common agricultural policy will be like after 2027 – he added. Christophe Hansen stated that the EU stands by Hungarian farmers, and has supported those of them who were damaged by frost and foot-and-mouth disease from its reserve fund. The Minister of Agriculture called it important for farmers to have a predictable future, to be able to plan, to prepare for subsidies, and to know what incentives young farmers can expect, for generational change, for investments, or how area-based support will develop. István Nagy stated: I would like to see sufficient resources allocated to the common agricultural policy, and for everything to have a separate budget, and for area-based, production-related and, of course, rural development subsidies to remain. He added that during their discussions with the Commissioner, special emphasis was placed on market issues, the free trade agreement with Ukraine and the Mercosur agreement to be concluded with South American countries, and what these can bring to Europe. As well as how Hungary finds its own place and role in the changing market environment, ensuring the security and development of farmers, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture added. Christophe Hansen spoke specifically about generational change in agriculture, which he said was important because the average age of farmers in the EU is 57 years, and only 12 percent of them are under 40. Supporting young farmers, the new generation, is very important. This of course requires investment and financial support, but farmers most of all need predictability – István Nagy emphasized.

MTI