Germany has traditionally been Hungary’s most important economic partner also in the agricultural sector – said István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture, who welcomed Julia Gross, the Ambassador of Germany, during her introductory visit.
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.