The Minister drew attention to the fact that Turkey is an extremely important economic partner and political ally for Hungary. The relationship between the two nations must be further strengthened.

At the meeting, the Minister recalled that Ukrainian grain flowing into the territory of the EU has paralyzed the market, causing sales difficulties for farmers and posing a serious challenge to agriculture. These agricultural products do not reach their traditional markets in Africa and the Middle East owing to the closure of the sea route as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The transportation has been relocated to the mainland, but the established Solidarity Lane does not work according to its original purpose – he added. The situation has to be solved as soon as possible, the grain storage is full, harvest time comes and the farmers are tense due to the difficulties of sales – explained the Minister.

István Nagy emphasized that Turkey plays an important role in the partial opening of the Black Sea ports. Our country would like to achieve the further expansion of these capacities, the number of ports protected by security guarantees, and expects Ankara to contribute in this process. Ukrainian agricultural products should be delivered to their traditional markets through sea routes. The Minister also mentioned that the Ministers of Agriculture of the most affected front countries have a common opinion on the Ukrainian grain imports to solve the situation. Istvan Nagy would also discuss his solution proposals with his Turkish colleague.

The post Turkey plays a key role in managing market difficulties caused by Ukrainian grain imports  appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

The minister drew attention to the fact that Hungary maintains good relations with France both on a professional and agricultural policy level. The interests of Hungarian and French farmers coincide, so the French opinion is always a very important guide for us.

The Minister also mentioned that at the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war the Ukrainian ports were closed, therefore Ukrainian grain could not get to its traditional markets via its traditional routes, which is why the Solidarity Lane was created, however, it does not work according to its original purpose. Land freight is much more expensive than sea shipping, so grain is stuck in border countries. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Ukrainian agricultural products can be bought significantly cheaper than the Hungarian grain, which practically stopped the domestic grain market that put farmers into impossible situation. He drew attention to the fact that in remote parts of the EU this is not felt so much, because there is no price advantage there due to the high transport costs. Production conditions in Ukraine are different, farmers have to meet different requirements than EU farmers. If these products are allowed into the European Community’s markets without control, it will fundamentally transform the entire agricultural economy. Our country shows solidarity with Ukraine, but the interests of Hungarian farmers must also be protected – he added. István Nagy also pointed out that our country has not blocked transit shipments so far, and even increased the transfer capacities in order to speed up the onward shipment of products. He explained that solutions must be found at European level to prevent the effects of market distortion caused by Ukrainian agricultural products. Although Brussels has taken action, the problem cannot be solved by providing support to the Member States concerned. The EU should develop a system, and provide it with sources, to allow these crops to leave the front countries and reach traditional markets.

At the meeting the agricultural and food geographical indicators (GI) concerning grape and wine, the possibility of strengthening cooperation in the field of agricultural vocational training and the use of pesticides were also discussed. The Minister emphasized that Hungary agrees that the use of pesticides should be reduced at EU level, however to make this decision it is necessary to know the price increase of food. The European Commission’s lawnmower-like reduction proposal for all Member States did not take into account the different starting points of each Member State and the results achieved so far. In connection with the negotiations on Free Trade Agreements István Nagy said it should be kept in mind that only imported products can be placed on the market in the EU which production rules and conditions are the same as EU regulations and requirements.

The post Hungarian-French relations should be further strengthened appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

Istvan Nagy, the Minister of Agriculture and Otar Shamugia, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, had a meeting in Tbilisi. The parties agreed that agricultural cooperation between the two countries represents a huge opportunity, since for Georgia our country can serve as the gateway to Europe, while for Hungary the Georgian partnership can open the way to the East. The heads of ministries signed a declaration of cooperation, which, among others, foreshows the cultivation of Hungarian-bred seeds in Georgia, joint work in the field of viticulture and winemaking, as well as launching bilateral projects in connection with vegetable, fruit and honey production.

The post Georgian-Hungarian agricultural cooperation at the gate of enormous opportunities appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

The Minister highlighted that Brussels had given way to the pressure exerted by the five Member States concerned –Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania –acknowledging the gravity of the situation that had developed in the region, and by applying a special protective measure in practice, it was making possible a ban on the importation of several agricultural products from Ukraine into the territories of these Member States as long as the present extraordinary situation existed.

The agreement applies to four products, to wheat, maize, sunflower seeds and rapeseed; meaning that the importation of these products into Hungary will remain forbidden also in the future. The domestic regulation relating to the ban on imports will be phased out once the measure to be introduced by Brussels takes effect, and so it will be possible to maintain the ban on imports.

We have additionally been reassured that the European Commission will also recommend an extraordinary grant of the amount of EUR 100 million for the farmers of bordering Member States which will be distributed among the five Member States proportionately. Hungary has succeeded in convincing Brussels to change course, the Minister underlined. 

Mr Nagy pointed out that disruptions on the market will be resolved once Ukrainian grain is able to reach its target countries in Africa and in the Middle East via the traditional routes; Hungary continues to support this. At the same time, we will do everything we can to guarantee the supply of quality food products for Hungary. Only high-quality, strictly controlled, safe food products can be served on the tables of Hungarian families, this is not subject to any compromise, the Minister said.

He added that the Hungarian government always stands with Hungarian farmers, and also in this situation it was only open to an agreement which guaranteed their interests.

The post We managed to convince Brussels to change course; agreement on Ukrainian grain imports reached  appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

The minister informed Mykola Solskyi that on Wednesday he had consulted with the representatives of the European Commission on the temporary import ban of Ukrainian agricultural products introduced by Hungary. From these items Brussels would put four (wheat, corn, sunflower seed and rapeseed) under the EU’s trade liberalization discount clause. Regarding Hungarian restrictions, István Nagy stated that the measure is temporary and was introduced in order to protect Hungarian farmers and consumers. The Minister also mentioned that Ukraine is a well-endowed agricultural country, it had the classic shipping routes by sea, so it could deliver raw material cheaply to the traditional markets. However, as a result of the war, Russian aggression complicates sea transport significantly, which is why the emphasis was shifted to more expensive land transport. As a result of cost increase, the products do not reach the former traditional markets. He explained that Solidarity Lanes did not reach their original purpose, the products imported from Ukraine did not move on to the markets in need, but stuck in the markets of neighbouring EU Member States causing substantial damage to farmers. Therefore, István Nagy urges the introduction of EU progressive transit support in the spirit of European solidarity, to help Ukrainian grain reach its former traditional markets.

István Nagy also pointed out that Hungary does not ban the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through the territory of our country, it means transit shipments are still allowed. At the same time, the products concerned will be sealed at the border by the competent authorities, tracked using electronic devices and patrols, and their transit procedures will be checked throughout the country. He explained, we will do everything possible to make transit shipping the simplest and fastest way to all parties. We will continue negotiations to find a solution to the existing situation, and we think it is important to pay attention to one point – this is the relevance and importance of compensation and solution of transit to European countries.

The minister stated, measures that could solve agricultural market difficulties are being continuously examined. The Hungarian government always stands by Hungarian farmers.

The post Brussels must take action on behalf of farmers and the onward transport of Ukrainian grain appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

According to István Nagy, it is once again reasonable to limit the duty-free exemption of wheat, corn, sunflower, rapeseed and soya, and it should only be granted to Ukraine within the limits of the quantitative import quotas applied previously. In view of the significant increase in imports, our country also recommends extending the scope of the quota system to sunflower seed. Hungary wants at least to get temporary additional duties imposed by the European Union on grain imported from Ukraine in case the destination of the commodity arriving through the Solidarity Lanes is a “border” member state of Ukraine. Besides all this, in order to address the situation in the short term and to mobilise the market, we ask the Commission to support the EU to buy stored grain grown in border member states for humanitarian purposes, which cannot be sold because of the drop in prices caused by imports. Transit shipments would require an EU monitoring and assurance system. Our country orders new, more comprehensive and stricter inspections for Ukrainian grain at the border – he added.

He explained that the countries concerned send a joint letter to the European Commission with new proposals for the solution, which will be discussed at the next Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting. The Minister expressed hope that Brussels would not make a difference between “border” countries, instead, it accepts the proposals of the cooperating countries and brings a comprehensive and unified solution to the table. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine, but we cannot endanger the livelihood of Hungarian farmers and Hungarian agriculture – stated István Nagy.

The post Agricultural Ministers of Central European countries take joint action against Ukrainian imports again appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

The minister emphasized that a very important and serious economic cooperation has been established between Hungary and Germany, which we would like to develop further. The minister recalled, in 2022 both agricultural exports and products imported from Germany hit record. It is extremely important for our country to know in which direction Germany is heading. He stressed that a new chapter begins in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) having development directions and plans that are also important for Berlin. Our country has made a historic decision by raising national co-financing up to 80 percent in relation to the CAP. We would like to build food factories, meat processing plants, warehouses, dryers, cold storages. Therefore, an excellent cooperation is extremely important, as economic partnerships can also develop between the two countries along this line. We would like to rely on Germany for technological developments and precision implements – István Nagy added.

He explained that sustainable agriculture is a vital issue for us, but we must also take the interests of farmers into account. Hungary agrees with the EU initiative to reduce pesticide use, however, its extent must be examined. Hungary already reduced emissions when it joined the EU, and now we are using a third as much than some of the member states. Thus, the unified 50 percent reduction would put Hungarian farmers at a competitive disadvantage. We are committed to protecting nature, but we also want to protect the competitiveness of farmers – István Nagy emphasized. The minister said, a dialogue should also be continued that all food arriving in Europe are subject to the same requirements as prescribed to the member states by the EU.

István Nagy also addressed the situation of the European pork market and said it was gladsome that the German leadership pays special attention to this area. Our country has 80 percent pork self-sufficiency, but at the same time we import and export raw materials.

The post German and Hungarian agriculture are connected by a thousand threads appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

The minister drew attention to the fact that there is a basis for strategic cooperation between Hungary and Algeria. In recent years, our international agricultural trade relations have been greatly strengthened. The minister highlighted that due to the climate of the African country, our country has a great need for its experience in crop production. In the field of research, education and plant breeding, it is important to deepen cooperation, which is essential for food security. We must develop as much cooperation as possible in which Hungarian and Algerian experts and research institutes can work together. The best investment is to exchange students of higher educational institutions, because along this line the economies of the two countries can also develop better in the long run. Nevertheless, partnership is fundamental in the relation to technological, research and genetic methodologies – said István Nagy.

Our country wants to include concrete projects for the next meeting of the Hungarian-Algerian Joint Economic Committee, he explained, since we can advance in practise in terms of cooperation between the two countries. In connection with the animal health challenges, István Nagy also talked about the fact that avian influenza is a serious problem for Hungarian farmers and causes difficulties in Algeria as well. Hungary is also open to the experiences and solutions of the North African country – he added. The minister emphasized, there are further opportunities in the field of sunflower cultivation. It is our country’s basic economic interest to access Algerian knowledge and experience related to plant breeding. In addition, Hungary is ready to share forest management practises with the North African country. The largest National Afforestation Program in our country’s history is taking place currently, correspondingly, we are ready to present theoretical and technological innovations to our partners – he added.

The post Further strengthening of Hungarian-Algerian agricultural relationships appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

The minister pointed out that traditional eating habits could be at risk, as Brussels is allowing more and more insect species to be sold for food purposes. According to the European Commission’s decision, along with house crickets, there are already four species of insects that can appear commercially as food and food ingredient in the European Union. István Nagy reminded us that our country is the only member state that did not support this EU decision, since neither food nor protein shortage should be feared in the EU.

The minister also mentioned, that the Ministry of Agriculture to amend the decree on food labelling in order to give credible and accurate information to consumers. Thus, products containing insect proteins will be well distinguishable and isolated on store shelves. In accordance, the ingredients will have to be clearly visible on the packaging. These products will also have to be isolated on separate shelves in stores.

István Nagy emphasized, opinion polls prove that Hungarian people do not want to eat insects. According to the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH/NFCSO) survey, less than 5 percent of consumers would like to eat food made with insects, and more than 70 percent of them strongly isolate themselves from this opportunity. According to István Nagy, thanks to the diligence and persistence of Hungarian farmers, our country has a lot of high-quality raw materials, fresh, healthy and high-quality food, therefore we do not need to eat worms. It is important to preserve our gastronomic traditions and not to let change our eating habits – the minister added.

The post Specific labelling and isolation are given to products containing insect proteins appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.

The Hungarian Minister has negotiated with several EU Ministers of Agriculture on the agricultural market situation in the European Union in the framework of the International Green Week in Berlin.

The main reason of the meeting is that in recent months, despite the partial reopening of Ukrainian ports, Ukraine’s grain and oilseed exports have increased significantly in Hungary and other EU Member States neighbouring Ukraine, causing serious market disruptions in these countries. Large international grain trading companies are now transporting Ukrainian grain to the traditional EU and non-EU export markets of Hungarian grain, which significantly reduced the demand for goods of domestic producers.

The significant volume of imports from Ukraine to the EU by sea and land also decreases producer prices despite high input costs, and its long-term presence would cause serious problems in Europe’s grain and oilseed producing countries. In order to prevent these negative processes, it is necessary to review the developed market conditions and take appropriate EU measures – the Minister of Agriculture highlighted at the meeting.

Our aim is primarily to protect domestic and European farmers, to preserve the EU’s internal market balance, respecting the EU measures to facilitate access to the world market for Ukrainian goods – the minister emphasized.

The post Meeting of EU Ministers of Agriculture on Ukrainian Grain Import appeared first on dr. Nagy István agrárminiszter.