From the end of November, grape growers can apply for participation in the AKG

(Photo: AM/István Fekete)

In his presentation, he emphasized that for the new five-year support program between 2025 and 2029, starting in the current cycle of the Common Agricultural Policy, the affected farmers can submit their support applications between November 25 and December 23 this year. This is an excellent opportunity for a wide range of producers to continue their activities in the spirit of sustainability, emphasized Zsolt Feldman. He pointed out that, after their mandatory basic commitments, grape growers can receive HUF 892 per year for one hectare of plantation, and in the case of applying additional environmentally friendly practices of their choice, this support amount can be increased by a maximum of HUF 133. The goals of the program include reducing the use of plant protection agents and protecting soils, waters and biodiversity. Payments are subject to compliance with the undertaken activities during the entire commitment period in the entire area of ​​the economy. Zsolt Feldman added that, between 2022 and 2024, farmers with nearly 37,000 hectares of vineyards participated in the Agrarian-Environmental Management support scheme operated within the framework of the Rural Development Program, which is an extremely large proportion compared to the 58,000 hectares of domestic production area. Most of the domestic commodity-producing vineyards are now cultivated by farmers in a sustainable manner. It was mentioned that 24.2 billion forints in requests for the planting of new plantations were received until November 2024 in connection with horticultural crops – which includes the grape sector. Zsolt Feldman drew attention to another restructuring support scheme for the renewal of plantations, under which support applications can still be submitted until November 30 this year. Those who want to renew their vineyard in line with the restructuring plans in the wine region renewed this year enjoy an advantage. The goal is to increase the efficiency of grape growing. In the first half of next year, farmers engaged in grape production can apply for support for the purchase of equipment and machinery in the call for technological development of horticultural plants, and for precision technologies in the call for support for the digital transition of agricultural plants, the calls for tenders for these are already being prepared – explained the state secretary.

AM