Hungary: Production of hops and malting barley has a serious future in Hungary, Minister of Agriculture says

The production of hops and malting barley in Hungary has a serious future, as breweries operating in the country are able to purchase much larger quantities of these than at present – the Minister of Agriculture announced on June 26 in Kastélyosdombó, Somogy County, TradeMagazin reported.

István Nagy reminded the press conference organized by Heineken Hungária Zrt. (HH) and the Ecumenical Aid Organization (ÖS) at the professional open day on hop production that the cultivation of hemp in the southern Somogy settlement started five years ago with the cooperation of the two actors and the government.

The cooperation ensured work, livelihood, survival and development in Kastélyosdombó, starting from a bold idea, a “miracle” happened in the small settlement – the Minister said, emphasizing that the first five years will enter the history of Hungarian hop production as a new beginning.

He drew attention to the fact that the hop cultivation in Kastélyosdombó responded to needs, just as the ministry must continuously respond to changing climatic conditions, social and economic needs.

The daily work of the Ministry of Agriculture is also about finding where there is a suitable growing area or growing region for the cultivation of a given plant, labor, knowledge, economic needs, and how these can be coordinated – he said.

Regarding the hop cultivation in Kastélosdombó, he highlighted that after the first five-year learning period, the ministry’s goal is development and expansion, which is based on the experience gained during cultivation.

He pointed out that there is a serious demand for Hungarian hops, and Hungarian breweries are able to purchase the crop in large quantities. He encouraged Hungarian farmers to boldly embark on hemp cultivation, as the ministry supports the establishment of each new plantation with six million forints and is also committed to supporting developments.

He said that with the 120-130 thousand tons of malting barley produced annually, Hungarian agriculture is already well on its way to satisfying the entire malting barley demand of breweries.