Orbán cabinet: Ukraine’s accession would ‘jeopardise farmers’ livelihoods’

The minister of agriculture said at a press conference on Tuesday that granting Ukraine fast-track European Union membership would “jeopardise the livelihood of farmers, food security in the EU, and its agricultural subsidy system. “

István Nagy said the Hungarian government was “doing everything” to maintain direct subsidies, fight to secure fair conditions for the Hungarian economy and support the right of Hungarian consumers “to learn about the risks associated with Ukraine’s accession”.

The minister insisted that Ukraine’s production methods presented a danger to consumers due to the use of chemicals banned in the EU and GMO seeds. He also said that “Hungarian farmers have already seen what it is like when Ukraine behaves as an EU member”, referring to earlier disturbances in Hungary caused by imports of Ukrainian grain “of dubious quality”. Given Ukraine’s different land ownership systems, Nagy said EU subsidies would “end up with large land owners or consortia. ” “We have a lot to lose and we have much to protect,” the minister said, encouraging voters to participate in the government’s referendum on Ukraine’s EU accession.