Hungarian farmers to protest against Ukrainian agricultural imports

Farmers across Hungary are bracing themselves for another challenging season of financial hardship. The influx of Ukrainian agricultural goods into the European Union has significantly impacted local farms, pushing many to the edge of financial ruin. 

Laszlo Kovacs, a seasoned farmer, tells CGTN Europe that the situation is dire. "We've been on life support since the EU opened the floodgates. Instead of delivering the final blow, they should extend a helping hand to bring us back to life."

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‌Kovacs has nearly three decades of experience in farming wheat, sunflower and rapeseed. But he admits the future of his industry is uncertain. 

"Right now, it's tough," he says. "We're not making much profit, just losses. Food prices are rising, but we're not seeing any gains." 

The predicament worsened when Russia blockaded Ukrainian ports, forcing Ukraine to reroute its wheat and maize exports overland into Europe. 

The EU's decision to cut border duties in support of Ukraine led to a price drop, further burdening farmers who were already grappling with escalating production.

Before the conflict in Ukraine, a ton of grain sold for $3,200, but now the price has dropped to half of that, while expenses on fuel, fertilizers, and wages have surged.‌

The EU-Ukraine trade deal, which commenced in June 2022 and extended into 2023, has fueled discontent among Hungarian farmers, who have voiced their concerns. Brussels responded by imposing temporary restrictions on some agricultural imports in 2023. 

But with the duty-free trade agreement with Ukraine set to conclude on June 5, 2024, farmers fear its potential extension could further jeopardize their livelihoods.

‌Tamas Petohazi, President of the Hungarian Grain Association, emphasizes the need for support. "We need financial assistance to offset the significant losses from last year, which amounted to $300 per acre," he tells CGTN. 

"We hope for some relief from next year's subsidies. However, the EU has not proposed any financial support yet, and Hungary often finds itself overlooked in fund allocation."

‌The EU is contemplating allowing member states to implement limits on Ukrainian products in case of oversupply. This could include restrictions on sales, storage, or outright bans. 

Despite these measures, many Hungarian farmers remain dissatisfied, advocating for a complete ban on all Ukrainian agricultural imports, underlining the deep-seated challenges and discontent within the agricultural sector.

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