Performance of the Hungarian Agricultural Sector in 2018

Bakota, Bettina – Páll, Zsombor

Keywords: agricultural production, income, employment, investment, agricultural trade, Q10, Q17

Agriculture has shown a favorable performance in 2018, since output rose on a broad basis (+,3.6% in volume terms), and surpassed 2 720 billion HUF, increased gross valueadded income and investments, net export achieved a high value, and increased the share of processed products from export. However agricultural employment (214.8 thousand) decreased in the context of severe labor shortage. Field crop production recorded mixed results because corn and rape seed production outperformed the results of the previous year, while wheat output stagnated, barley and sunflower seed production decreased in 2018. Fruit production increased mainly as a result of higher apple and sour cherry output. Vegetable production decreased due to the severe drought. The production of the main animal sectors increased in 2018. The multi annual trends highlight more significant positive trends: output (+32.8% in volume terms), income, investment, employment and net export recorded considerable growth.
Yield fluctuation is a considerable problem in field crop production, which emphasizes the importance of irrigation and agro technological development. Market crises and epidemics are major challenges for the animal sector.
In summary, it can be concluded that Hungarian agriculture recorded a significant development in the last years, however further development is needed in the context of the existing shortages and international challenges.

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