Agricultural land accounts for 42% of Hungary’s land area. The main agricultural products are corn, wheat, milk, sunflower seeds, barley, rapeseed, sugar beet, apples, pork, grapes. With Hungarian industrialists investing in agricultural technologies, Hungary, which is one of the leading countries in Europe in agricultural technologies, water management and environmental technology, attaches great importance to the export of these technologies.
Agricultural support programs for farmers; EU funds can be used for agriculture and rural development. Its geographical location and natural resources enable agricultural product diversity. Food processing technologies constitute an important potential and even investment incentives are provided through the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency for investments in this field.
Hungary has a well-developed agricultural sector and a long history of agriculture dating back centuries. It is known for its fertile land, favorable climate in many regions, and a variety of crops and livestock. Some of the most widely grown agricultural products in Hungary are corn, wheat, milk, sunflower seeds, barley, rapeseed, sugar beet, apples, pork, grapes.
You can find content about Hungarian agriculture and important agricultural products of Hungary in our article. Here are some key points regarding Hungary’s agriculture:
- Crop Production: Hungary produces a variety of crops, including wheat, corn, sunflower seeds, barley, sugar beets, and potatoes. It is one of the leading producers of maize (corn) in Europe.
- Viticulture: Hungary has a rich tradition of winemaking, with its Tokaji wine being world-famous. The country has many vineyards and produces a wide range of wines.
- Livestock Farming: Livestock farming, including cattle, pigs, and poultry, is an essential part of Hungary’s agricultural sector. The country is also known for its high-quality meat products.
- Agribusiness: Hungary has a well-developed agribusiness sector, including food processing and agricultural machinery manufacturing. The food and beverage industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
- EU Membership: Hungary is a member of the European Union (EU), and its agriculture sector benefits from EU agricultural subsidies and support programs.
- Agricultural Challenges: Like many other countries, Hungary faces challenges in its agriculture sector, including issues related to sustainability, modernization, and the need for improved infrastructure.
- Environmental Concerns: Hungary has been working on implementing more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices to address concerns related to soil and water quality.
Overall, Hungary’s agriculture sector plays a significant role in its economy, and the country is known for its agricultural products. However, like any sector, it faces its share of challenges and opportunities as it seeks to adapt to changing market demands and environmental considerations.
What is Hungary known for producing in agriculture?
Hungary is known for producing a variety of agricultural products, and some of its notable agricultural products include:
- Wheat: Hungary is one of the leading producers of wheat in Europe. Wheat is a staple crop used for various food products, including bread and pasta.
- Maize (Corn): Hungary is a significant producer of maize (corn), which is used for animal feed, as well as for industrial purposes like biofuel production.
- Sunflower Seeds: Hungary is known for its sunflower seed production, which is used for oil extraction and as a snack food.
- Barley: Barley is grown for various purposes, including animal feed and malt production for the brewing industry.
- Sugar Beets: Hungary produces sugar beets, which are used in the sugar industry for sugar production.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a common crop in Hungary and are used in various culinary dishes.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Hungary has a rich tradition of fruit and vegetable cultivation, including apples, pears, cherries, plums, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Wine: Hungary has a long history of winemaking and is known for its quality wines, including the famous Tokaji wine.
- Livestock: Hungary has a significant livestock sector, including cattle, pigs, poultry, and sheep, which provide meat, dairy products, and other animal-based products.
- Paprika: Hungary is famous for its paprika, a spice made from dried and ground peppers. Paprika is an essential ingredient in Hungarian cuisine and is exported worldwide.
- Dairy Products: Hungary produces various dairy products, including cheese and yogurt.
- Forestry: The country also has a significant forestry sector, producing timber and wood products.
These agricultural products contribute to Hungary’s food supply, its exports, and its culinary traditions. The country’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in its economy and cultural heritage.
How much agricultural land is there in Hungary?
Hungary had approximately 9.6 million hectares of total land area, and a significant portion of this land was dedicated to agriculture. However, the exact amount of agricultural land in Hungary can vary over time due to factors such as land use changes, urbanization, and land reclamation.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information on the amount of agricultural land in Hungary, I recommend consulting official sources such as the Hungarian Central Statistical Office or the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which regularly publish agricultural statistics and land use data. These organizations provide comprehensive and current data on agricultural land and related statistics for Hungary and other countries.
Hungary’s agricultural policy
With Hungarian industrialists investing in agricultural technologies, Hungary, which is one of the leading countries in Europe in agricultural technologies, water management and environmental technologies, attaches importance to the export of these technologies. In Hungary, the “Arable Land Act” of 1994 was repealed and replaced by the “Act on the Transfer of Agricultural and Forestry Land” No. 122 of 2013. According to the new Law, Hungarian citizens and EU citizens who are not farmers are only entitled to purchase up to 1 hectare of land, while legal entities considered as “farmers” can purchase up to 300 hectares of agricultural land. The maximum area that can be rented is up to 1,200 hectares. For livestock enterprises, the maximum size of the area cannot exceed 1,800 hectares. On the other hand, the new Law excludes legal entities from land purchases. On the other hand, land transfers are also subject to certain use restrictions. For the first 5 years of ownership, the buyer cannot transfer the use of the land to any third party, must comply with the obligation to cultivate the land and must undertake not to use the land for non-agricultural purposes. Animal husbandry plays an important role in Hungary. The main types of animals raised are cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry. The value added of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector to the country’s GDP is 4.1%.