Szabolcs Bóna announces reforms to land and hunting laws

Szabolcs Bóna, the Minister of Agriculture and Food, has announced intentions to reform both land and hunting laws. Speaking on an agricultural podcast, the minister highlighted that the current separation between land use and ownership causes significant income leakage from the sector through subsidies and lease fees.

Proposed changes aim to redirect capital toward rejuvenating the sector, helping young farmers access productive land, improving soil quality, and establishing irrigation systems. Bóna emphasized that the state's role is to shape rules that encourage adaptation to climate change and modern farming needs, rather than compensating for a lack of adaptability.

Regarding wildlife management, the minister noted that current regulations have not functioned effectively. The goal is to find a balance between reducing crop damage for farmers and ensuring wildlife is not displaced, while also assessing the country's capacity to sustain current animal populations. Future policy will focus on soil health, water retention, and restructuring support systems to prioritize land productivity.