Hungarian agriculture faces challenges in viticulture and dairy sectors

Hungarian agricultural sectors, specifically viticulture and dairy, are facing significant structural challenges. Ákos Molnár, president of the Hungarian Grape Propagation Material Growers Association, argues that the global wine industry is at a turning point. He advocates for the adoption of tolerant hybrid grape varieties to combat climate change and disease resistance, noting that failure to adapt could result in a competitive disadvantage for Hungarian producers.

Simultaneously, the Hungarian dairy industry is experiencing a crisis driven by falling prices and an unbalanced trade structure. Zoltán Harcz, managing director of the Dairy Product Council, noted that while high-quality raw milk is produced domestically, over 20 percent—approximately 380,000 tons annually—is exported at low spot prices. Meanwhile, the domestic retail market relies heavily on imports for high-value products like cheese, butter, and yogurt. Experts suggest that expanding domestic processing capacities and utilizing EU funding for technological modernization are essential for long-term stability and climate adaptation.