Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled a substantial HUF 50 billion tender (approximately €125 million) aimed at enhancing horticultural infrastructure across the country. Announced by Minister István Nagy, the initiative, titled “Support for post-harvest developments related to horticultural greenhouses and cold storages,” is designed to foster the construction and upgrading of essential facilities for fruit and vegetable production.
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
The tender encourages collaboration among both large and small-scale producers to undertake significant investments in infrastructure improvements. The primary focus includes:
- Greenhouse Construction and Refurbishment: Facilitating the establishment and refurbishment of glass or foil greenhouses to expand cultivation capabilities.
- Cold Storage Facilities: Enhancing cold storage units to bolster the capacity for preserving vegetables and fruits post-harvest.
- Processing Equipment Acquisition: Supporting the acquisition of modern machinery and tools for efficient processing of horticultural products.
Additionally, the initiative prioritizes improvements in energy efficiency within these facilities, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Impact and Previous Successes
Minister Nagy highlighted the success of the previous Rural Development Program, which supported 7,300 projects with HUF 190 billion. This funding resulted in significant expansions, including 800,000 square meters of greenhouse space and 465,000 square meters of foil houses. These developments translated into 1.26 million square meters of advanced cultivation space and created approximately 452,000 cubic meters of cold storage capacity.
Future Prospects and Sustainability Goals
The ongoing tender aims to build upon these achievements, emphasizing the critical role of modern storage solutions in reducing post-harvest losses and food waste. By enhancing infrastructure resilience, Hungary seeks to mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop production and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
Hungary’s €125 million tender marks a significant commitment to advancing its horticultural sector through strategic investments in infrastructure and technology. With a strong focus on modernization and sustainability, the initiative is poised to elevate agricultural productivity, strengthen market competitiveness, and support the country’s agricultural resilience in the face of evolving climate challenges.
