Livestock Industry Shines in the EU
Hungary’s Livestock Farming Sector Shows Remarkable Growth in 2024
Hungary’s livestock farming sector has experienced significant growth in the first half of 2024, surpassing many EU countries. Zsolt Feldman, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, recently highlighted these advancements, emphasizing notable improvements in both production and exports.
Farmers in Hungary have benefitted from a favorable market environment as well as robust government support. The country’s pork slaughtering rate ranked 3rd highest in the EU from January to May 2024, while poultry slaughtering saw the 3rd largest increase and milk purchases rose to the 4th highest in the EU.
Exports of live cattle saw a nearly 12% increase, while live sheep exports surged by over 25% during this period.
According to Minister Feldman, poultry slaughtering increased by more than 14% and pig slaughtering by over 8%. He pointed out that the improved economic conditions for livestock farmers are reflected in the normalization or increase in purchase prices, along with reduced financing costs and feed price levels. These positive developments are attributed to targeted government support programs.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s livestock support scheme and modernization program, considered the largest since the end of the communist regime in 1989, have played a pivotal role in leveraging these opportunities. Since 2021, the Rural Development Program has allocated HUF 491 billion (EUR 1.2 billion) for investments in livestock farms.
The Ministry’s efforts also include heightened support for organic farming and working capital loans.
Minister Feldman concluded that with additional funding available until 2027, Hungarian agriculture is poised for ongoing growth. He highlighted the many new opportunities for livestock farmers to modernize their farms or participate in animal welfare programs, underscoring the Ministry’s dedication to long-term rural development.
