NAK’s first 4 years

Our magazine interviewed Balázs Győrffy, president of the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture (NAK) on the occasion of NAK’s 4th birthday.

T. M.: – The Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture was established a little more than 4 years ago, with food industry enterprises among its members. How do you remember the beginning?

Balázs Gőrffy
president
NAK

– NAK was formed in 2013 to create a strong organisation in which the representatives of the whole food chain are present. For instance the Association of Hungarian Farmers’ Societies and Cooperatives (Magosz), the Federation of Hungarian Food Industries (ÉFOSZ) and the Livestock and Meat Interprofessional Organisation and Marketing Board (VHT) were among the supporters of NAK’s foundation.

T. M.: – How did food processing companies react to NAK membership?

– Well, we must admit that there were hardships at the beginning. Food industry businesses didn’t trust NAK. Once we managed to lobby for government decisions in their favour, they stopped worrying.

T. M.: – What are the most important results of the last 4 years?

– The most important is the question of funding: in part thanks to our lobbying work, the government has earmarked HUF 200 billion in the Rural Development Programme for micro- and small businesses in the food processing sector. Another important area is that of VAT reductions: we welcome the fact that the government cut the VAT on several food products in the last few years; we would like to see more groceries with a lower VAT.

T. M.: – What other steps do you plan to take to help the food industry?

If Magosz and the 17 organisations that support it will get the necessary number of votes in the NAK elections November, we will strengthen the services we have developed in the last few years. One of NAK’s most important and useful services is providing members with information. Our training programmes for the representatives of food industry companies – organised in both Hungary and abroad – are also successful. In cooperation with ÉFOSZ, we want to improve the reputation of the food industry. //