Producer cooperation is also required in horseradish production

(Photo: AM)

According to the head of the ministry, Hungary is worthy of a high -profile power, as the quantity produced in the domestry accounts for more than one third of European production. In Hungary, there are currently 570 producers cultivated by 1228 hectares, with 98 percent of producers and growing areas in Hajdú-Bihar county. In order to see the process of acquisition of horseradish, the agricultural ministry has introduced regulation from 2021. According to this, it is mandatory to contract for the acquisition of horseradish, and the contract must also include criteria for calculating the price or price. The locally competent government office checks the existence of contracts and the compliance with the legislation, he added. He explained that new producers have entered the sector in recent years and the cultivation area has increased significantly. As a result, there was a significant surplus on the market, but at the same time, consumption decreased due to the pandemic, energy crisis and war. As a result, the price drop resulting from the supply surplus was observed on the market. At the same time, there is a need to achieve predictability and price stability in order to improve the market situation. This can be based on the improvement of producer bargaining, which can be created most efficient and fast by cooperation and community action.

Horseback growers also get support

István Nagy also pointed out that there were several opportunities for horseradish growers in the rural development program, who could continue to count on them in the future. Among the tenders for the horticultural sector in 2024, horseradish growers will be available again to develop their production technology or to process their horseradish. We encourage producers to establish producer cooperations and jointly implementing developments, as this is the greatest advancement for them. In the vegetable sector, beyond basic income support, production -related support also helps to improve the profitability of production.

“Hajdúság horseradish” is not only a Hungaricum but also EU protection

This opens up new opportunities for the farmers’ community, as applications are announced in 2024, which are related to such geographical goods indicators and traditional special products. Through these, it is possible to carry out an activity in a supported manner that is aimed at increasing the quality of the product produced and distributed by the cooperative farmers, providing the trade in reputation and authenticity. We can also help with this, as this is a good idea in Europe to strengthen market sales, the minister added.

AM