Hungary

Hungary’s agriculture is a key pillar of its economy, contributing approximately 3.6% to the national GDP and employing about 4.9% of the workforce as of 2022 (Eurostat, 2023). Hungary possesses substantial natural resources, with over 58% of its territory used for agricultural purposes and about 21% covered by forests (Hungarian Central Statistical Office – HCSO, 2023). The country has a diverse agricultural profile, with major outputs including cereals (especially maize and wheat), oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, and livestock. Hungary’s strategic location in Central Europe, combined with its established agri-food sector, creates favorable conditions for developing a sustainable, circular bioeconomy that fosters innovation, rural development, and cross-border collaboration. The bioeconomy is gaining momentum, supported by strong research institutions and active participation in EU bioeconomy initiatives.

Bioeconomy Policy Framework

The Ministry of Agriculture is the key governmental body overseeing bioeconomy-related policies in Hungary. Within the Ministry, the Department of Agricultural Research and Agri-Environmental Management plays a central role in coordinating research, development and innovation (R&D&I) activities in the field. The Department operates under the direction of the Deputy Secretary of State for Agricultural Economy.

A key objective is to enhance regional cooperation within the Central and Eastern European macro-region, thereby increasing Hungary’s and the region’s competitiveness in the bioeconomy.

Current bioeconomy strategies and development trends

Hungary is actively engaged in EU-level initiatives, projects, and regional cooperation through the BIOEAST Initiative to support the bioeconomy transformation.

visit the Hungarian HUB

Visit Hungary’s national BIOEAST HUB to explore research, innovation, and collaboration opportunities in the bioeconomy field. The HUB serves as a knowledge-sharing platform for stakeholders across sectors.

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Bioeconomy related projects

  • CELEBio – project aims at strengthening the enabling environment for bio-based businesses in eight countries of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
  • POWER4BIO – emPOWERing regional stakeholders for realising the full potential of european BIOeconomy
  • BIOECO-UP – Circular BioEconomy Market Uptake and Policy Support in Central Europe
  • BOOST4BIOEAST – Boosting the bioeconomy transformation for the BIOEAST macro-region
  • CEE2ACT – empowering Central and Eastern European countries to develop circular bioeconomy strategies

National contact point

The Hungarian National Contact Points (NCPs) serve as facilitators for information, networking, and support regarding national and regional bioeconomy initiatives. They provide guidance for stakeholders interested in bioeconomy strategies, project participation, funding opportunities, and cooperation within the BIOEAST framework. The NCPs for Hungary are:

  • ANETT SZABÓ, Ministry of Agriculture, Department for Agricultural Research and Agri-Environmental Management
  • ÁKOS KRISTÓF, Ministry of Agriculture, Department for Agricultural Research and Agri-Environmental Management
  • ANIKÓ JUHÁSZ, Ministry of Agriculture, Deputy State Secretary

Address

Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 11, 1055 Hungary

Contact

krisztina.anett.szabo@am.gov.hu

akos.kristof@am.gov.hu

aniko.juhasz@am.gov.hu