The Pig Sector is in Crisis, the Minister Asks for Buyers` Help

Through conscious consumption and buying Hungarian products, everyone can help the domestic pig sector survive the international market disruptions caused by African Swine Fever, the Minister responsible for Agriculture and Food Economy said at a press conference in Budapest on Friday. According to Szabolcs Bóna, the current challenges hit the Hungarian pig sector at a difficult time, but the hardships could ease within two months. He is asking consumers to buy more domestically produced goods than before, if possible, until the market situation improves, bearing in mind that Hungarian pork is of excellent quality and helps maintain domestic jobs and support families' livelihoods.

Bóna Urges Reduction of the Wild Boar Population

The minister explained that due to African Swine Fever, exports outside the EU have fallen into crisis, and the oversupply on the EU market is also reducing the income of Hungarian farmers. However, he is confident that government measures can stabilize the market situation in Hungary and provide an opportunity to strengthen the pig sector. To this end, negotiations have begun with export partners to lift restrictive measures; discussions are underway with creditors and insurers to ensure liquidity; and retail chains have also been approached.

Szabolcs Bóna also sees significant potential in public catering if the proportion of Hungarian food in their offerings can be increased. At the same time, he urged a reduction in the wild boar population, adding that this is proven to contribute to containing African Swine Fever. Hunting associations bear a serious responsibility in this regard, and those failing to comply with the relevant regulations can expect penalties.

Those Affected Will Receive Compensation

The minister stressed that beyond promoting Hungarian pork, the most important task in the longer term is organizing the product supply chain. In addition to increasing the share of Hungarian products and strengthening consumer awareness, Szabolcs Bóna considers it important to introduce trademark systems that already work well elsewhere.

According to the minister, competitiveness can primarily be maintained by those who have focused on long-term developments, as they are not facing efficiency issues but are merely in a difficult position due to temporary market disruptions. The compensation funds are available for those whose herds have been affected by African Swine Fever, he announced.

The Share of Domestic Products is Too Low

The ministry's State Secretary for Food Economy, Distribution, and Literacy considers it a significant shortcoming that the activities of the Hungarian pig sector are largely limited to pig production. László Búza stated that Hungary's development must also be supported from the food side, but the share of domestic products is low among highly processed goods. He confirmed that the sales difficulties are temporary, so this period must be eased with transitional solutions by increasing turnover. Until the hardships pass, everyone can support domestic pig farmers simply by purchasing Hungarian pork and perhaps buying more than before over the coming weeks, the state secretary said.