Hungary’s incoming agriculture minister has outlined a sweeping reform agenda that could significantly reshape the country’s food market, agriculture policy and land ownership rules. Speaking after the inaugural session of the new parliament, Szabolcs Bóna said the new government plans to introduce targeted VAT cuts on fruit and vegetables, while also launching a broader overhaul of agricultural regulation.
According to the minister, the first phase of the planned tax changes would reduce VAT on fresh produce to 5 per cent, a move aimed at easing pressure on consumers after years of food inflation. The measure would primarily affect vegetables and fruits, sectors that have seen significant price increases in recent years.
Bóna argued that the worsening drought situation, concerns over food self-sufficiency and the declining presence of Hungarian products on store shelves all justify urgent government intervention. He warned that Hungary could face drought-related damage comparable to the record-breaking conditions of 2022 unless immediate action is taken.
In comments cited by Agrárszektor and given to Telex, the minister said drought management would become one of the government’s first priorities. He stressed that water retention can no longer be treated solely as a water management issue, saying farmers and agricultural producers must also play a central role in adapting to climate pressures.
While short-term emergency measures may help reduce immediate damage, Hungary also needs a long-term national adaptation strategy focused on water retention and sustainable agricultural practices, he added.
Bóna also pledged stronger support for domestic food production and said the government wants to increase the share of Hungarian-made products in supermarkets while encouraging shorter supply chains. He described food security and agricultural resilience as strategic national priorities amid climate and economic uncertainty.
One of the most politically sensitive elements of the reform package concerns land ownership. The incoming minister said the current land law has been repeatedly modified in recent years to serve individual interests and argued that the country now has a historic opportunity to redesign the system through broad social consultation.
He also suggested that existing ownership structures may need to change, though he stopped short of specifying what measures could eventually be introduced or who might be affected.
The remarks are likely to fuel debate in Hungary’s agricultural sector, where land concentration has accelerated over the past decade while many smaller farms have struggled to remain competitive.
Bóna said the new government intends to give agricultural organizations and professional groups a larger role in shaping policy. He criticized previous agricultural governance as overly centralized and politically driven, arguing that future reforms should be based more heavily on professional expertise and sector-wide consultation.
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