Hungary’s EU Presidency Commitment Is a Farmer-Friendly Policy

“European farmers are in urgent need of a competitive, crisis-resistant, and farmer-friendly agricultural policy, a focal point Hungary pledges to champion during its forthcoming presidency,” emphasized the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture at the Portfolio Agrofuture 2024 conference.

Zsolt Feldman outlined four pivotal areas for concentrated efforts: equitable aid distribution, proactive green initiatives, robust risk management strategies, and effective crisis response mechanisms. However, the success of these endeavors is contingent upon collaborative dialogues within the EU, with significant implications tied to the composition of the new European Parliament and Commission after the elections.

The Secretary of State underscored the imperative for reform in Brussels, citing pervasive hostility towards agriculture that has hindered progress.

While the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains central, Mr. Feldman criticized the European Commission’s politicization and highlighted the shortcomings of its programs, particularly those introduced in 2019. He emphasized the critical need for robust political representation for EU farmers, stressing the pivotal role of large-scale demonstrations in advocating for their interests.

Hungary is poised to lead the charge in steering the EU Council towards adopting a farmer-friendly agricultural policy, with legislative proposals anticipated by the summer of 2025. Feldman advocates for a sustainable green transition, emphasizing the importance of incentivization over punitive measures. He stressed the necessity of fostering collaborative partnerships to ensure the success of these initiatives.

Looking towards the future, the Hungarian government is committed to establishing a resilient agricultural model post-2027.

To this end, they are actively seeking allies on the European stage to support and advance this vision.

Via MTI; Featured Image: csabaimerleg.hu