Government Rejects CAP Reform Plans, Seeks EU Aid for Pork and Milk Market Crises

Arriving at the meeting of EU agriculture ministers, State Secretary József Viski emphasized that most member states, including Hungary, consider the Commission’s proposals on the future of the common agricultural policy (CAP) presented last summer to be unacceptable. He said that the resources available for agricultural subsidies would be reduced and agricultural funds would be placed in a single fund with cohesion funds, meaning that individual sectors would have to compete with each other for subsidies.

In his opinion, this would lead to the end of the independence of the common agricultural policy and the loss of the unique characteristics of agriculture and the food industry that have been ensured by the independent agricultural policy to date.

He added that Hungary has consistently opposed the European Commission’s proposal over the past seven months and continues to maintain this position.

József Viski also pointed out that the weather conditions of recent years have made the situation of Hungarian farmers significantly more difficult, while several EU economic and trade policy decisions have further worsened the competitive position of producers.

He cited as examples the free trade agreements concluded with Ukraine and South American countries, which, he said, have resulted in the appearance of cheaper products on the European market that have been produced under different food safety and animal health conditions.

The State Secretary emphasized that food security is a top priority in the EU, and that food for the European population should primarily be produced by agricultural operators based in Europe.

József Viski also announced that Hungary, together with Romania, Slovakia, and Malta, had requested assistance from the European Commission in addressing the crisis in the pork market.

Purchase prices on the pork market have fallen by more than 20 percent over the past year, and in many cases, breeders are currently forced to sell below cost price, which is why financial assistance beyond previous subsidies is needed, he emphasized.

He also mentioned that there has been no progress in resolving the milk market crisis, which is why Hungary has brought forward the payment of certain subsidies, introduced a credit moratorium, and is continuously assessing the market situation. The aim is to be able to intervene with EU crisis support instruments and provide meaningful assistance to the producers affected.

Via MTI; Featured photo: Pixabay

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