Global, regional and local challenges in Hungarian agriculture

The article discusses the main challenges and possibilities faced by the Hungarian agricultural sector, in light of developments on global agricultural markets, EU-membership, and other issues. Global developments, such as the accelerated development of agricultural technology, shifting structure of demand and the restructuring of international agricultural trade, the reform of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and the increasing social tensions in rural Hungary have far-reaching impacts on the conditions affecting the operation of Hungarian agriculture, and definitely require a change in our thinking. The article provides certain recommendations for Hungarian agricultural policies: (1) the diversity of farms should be taken into consideration; (2) rapid technological development based on scientific results must be made a priority; (3) a higher level of coordination between the state and the private sector is required; (4) a new type of synthesis between agriculture and rural areas must be created; and (5) physical and social infrastructure in rural areas must be developed.