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.\"
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 costs.
Reference(s):
Hungarian farmers to protest against Ukrainian agricultural imports
cgtn.com
