Hódmezővásárhely Mayor seeks government aid over ATEV odor issues

Péter Márki-Zay, the mayor of Hódmezővásárhely, has requested assistance from Szabolcs Bóna, the Minister of Agriculture and Food, regarding long-standing odor issues caused by the ATEV Fehérjefeldolgozó Zrt. facility. The mayor stated that the continuous degradation of the local quality of life due to industrial activity is unacceptable and is seeking a solution that allows for long-term operation through modern technology rather than shutting the plant down.

Mar'ki-Zay emphasized that the state bears not only regulatory responsibility but also ownership responsibility. The ATEV facility was previously owned by the Jövő Nemzedék Földje Alapítvány, an organization formerly led by János Lázár. According to the mayor, the foundation distributed dividends of one billion HUF in 2024 and two billion HUF the previous year, without investing in the necessary developments to resolve the odor problems.

The foundation ceased operations on July 31, and its assets, including ATEV, are expected to be transferred to the state following a final accounting process expected in late October. ATEV plays a significant role in national animal health and waste management, operating facilities in Debrecen, Solton, Hódmezővásárhely, and Mátyásdomb.