Young farmers needs in Hungary

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1 Young farmers needs in Hungary Annex I.13 to the Pilot project: Exchange programmes for young farmers Client: European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development Rotterdam, 25 September 2015

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3 Young farmers needs in Hungary Annex I.13 to the Pilot project: Exchange programmes for young farmers Client: European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development Marie-Jose Zondag & Sacha Koppert (Ecorys Netherlands) Carolien de Lauwere (LEI-Wageningen UR) Peter Sloot (Aequator Groen & Ruimte) Andreas Pauer (Ecorys Brussels) Rotterdam, 25 September 2015 Disclaimer: The information and views set out in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Commission. The Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this report. Neither the Commission nor any person acting on the Commission s behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.

4 About Ecorys At Ecorys we aim to deliver real benefit to society through the work we do. We offer research, consultancy and project management, specialising in economic, social and spatial development. Focusing on complex market, policy and management issues we provide our clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors worldwide with a unique perspective and high-value solutions. Ecorys remarkable history spans more than 85 years. Our expertise covers economy and competitiveness; regions, cities and real estate; energy and water; transport and mobility; social policy, education, health and governance. We value our independence, integrity and partnerships. Our staff comprises dedicated experts from academia and consultancy, who share best practices both within our company and with our partners internationally. Ecorys has an active CSR policy and is ISO14001 certified (the international standard for environmental management systems). Our sustainability goals translate into our company policy and practical measures for people, planet and profit, such as using a 100% green electricity tariff, purchasing carbon offsets for all our flights, incentivising staff to use public transport and printing on FSC or PEFC certified paper. Our actions have reduced our carbon footprint by an estimated 80% since ECORYS Nederland B.V. Watermanweg GG Rotterdam P.O. Box AD Rotterdam The Netherlands T +31 (0) F +31 (0) E netherlands@ecorys.com Registration no W 2 NL

5 Table of contents 1 Introduction 5 2 Activities of young farmers 7 3 Needs of young farmers Challenges for young farmers Knowledge needs of young farmers 11 4 Needs regarding learning and communication Most used information sources Young farmers obtaining information from people and institutions 14 5 Hindrances in obtaining information 17 6 Suitability of exchange schemes Participation of young farmers in exchange schemes and their satisfaction and awareness of exchange schemes Young farmers attitudes with regard to participation in an exchange scheme Issues that hinder young farmers in participating in an exchange scheme Intention of young farmers of joining an exchange scheme Opinion of young farmers about exchange schemes 22 7 Focus group participants 25 Young farmers needs in Hungary 3

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7 1 Introduction Objective of the Pilot Project study on young farmers The Pilot Project: Exchange programmes for young farmers has been commissioned by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) to identify the needs of young farmers, get an overview of the existing exchange schemes for young farmers and develop a guide to establish or improve exchange schemes for young farmers (DG AGRI, Tender No AGRI-2012-Eval-03). The study has been implemented by Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte in The aims of this study were: To provide a comprehensive assessment of the specific needs of young farmers across the EU: To describe and access existing schemes and initiatives for the exchange of young farmers; To identify specific results of exchange schemes and specific support measures that have proved to be effective and efficient; To provide recommendations on the design, implementation and delivery of exchange programmes and schemes. This country report on the needs of young farmers The needs analysis was performed through desk research, interviewing on average 78 farmers per EU Member State and having a focus group in each of the 28 Member States. In the focus group the results of the interviews and the needs of young farmers concerning exchange schemes were discussed. This report contains the needs analysis for Hungary, and contains: General information on young farmers (chapter two); The needs of young farmers (chapter three); The needs regarding learning and communication (chapter four); The hindrances in obtaining information (chapter five); Sustainability of the exchange schemes (chapter six); The focus group participants (chapter seven). The report is targeted at policy officers and other stakeholders interested in getting an insight into the needs of young farmers. Where to find more information The following documents can be found on the DG AGRI website: The 27 other country reports on the needs of young farmers; The Analysis on the needs of young farmers (report I); The Inventory and Analysis of exchange schemes for young farmers in EU-28 and a selected number of OECD countries (report II). Together with contact details of around 200 exchange schemes and case studies of 22 exchange schemes; A guide for successful exchange schemes for young farmers (report III). All reports can be found at: Young farmers needs in Hungary 5

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9 2 Activities of young farmers In the interviews, the young farmers were asked the following details, among others. Indicated in the table below are: The mean age of the interviewed young farmers; The % of young farmers with a Bachelors (BSc), Masters (MSc) or PhD; The mean hectares of Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) that the respondents own or rent; The mean hectares of forestry that the respondents own or rent; The % of respondents that indicate that their farm is located in a favourable or less favourable area; The % of young farmers with organic farms. Figure 2.1 Some general features of interviewed young farmers (YF) in Hungary Hungary n* EU-15 1 n new MS 2 n EU-28 3 n Age (mean (std)) 32.1 (3.6) (6.0) (6.0) (6.0) % YF with high vocational education (BSc, MSc, PhD) Ha UAA owned (mean (std)) 50.5 (177.1) (309.3) (165.5) (260.9) Ha UAA rented (mean (std)) 29.8 (74.5) (156.2) (157.5) (156.7) Ha forestry owned (mean (std)) 3.6 (11.6) (106.7) (22.9) (83.2) Ha forestry rented (mean (std)) 2.0 (17.2) (20.9) (25.3) (22.9) % favourable area % less favourable or highly unfavourable area % YF with organic farms Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, * n = the number of people that were interviewed in respectively Hungary, EU-15, new MS and EU EU-15 are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. New Member States are the countries who joined the EU in or after 2004: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia. EU-28 are all Member States, both EU-15 and new Member States. Young farmers needs in Hungary 7

10 Figure 2.2 Main activities of interviewed young farmers in Hungary Main activities of interviewed young farmers in Hungary % of respondents field crops permanent crops grazing livestock horticulture granivores mixed crops mixed livestock mixed crops and livestock Source: Ecorys/LEI/Aequator Groen & Ruimte 2014 Survey Young Farmers Spring The figures above and below highlight the difference between the main activities of young farmers that have been interviewed and the main activities of farmers in general as included in the Eurostat statistics. Figure 2.3 Main activities of farmers in Hungary according to Eurostat Main activities of farmers in Hungary according to Eurostat field crops permanent crops grazing livestock horticulture granivores mixed crops mixed livestock mixed crops and livestock Source: Farm Typology in 2010 according to the Agriculture, forestry and fisheries statistics of Eurostat (2013 Edition). 8 Young farmers needs in Hungary

11 3 Needs of young farmers The needs of young farmers have been identified through, among others: 1. Which issues they perceive as problematic, e.g. the possibility of buying land, having access to credit, having the right machinery, having seasonal workers, etc. 2. Which knowledge needs the young farmers have. 3.1 Challenges for young farmers The interviewed young farmers were asked which issues they perceive as problematic. This is shown in the figure below. OUTCOME: The interviewed young Hungarian farmers perceive qualified labour, seasonal workers, other legal issues, the availability of land to buy and access to insurance as more problematic than other young farmers in the EU. They perceive the availability of subsidies, access to credit, the national inheritance law, access to new and useful knowledge and access to useful trainings and workshops, as less problematic than other young farmers in the EU. Figure 3.1 General needs of young farmers percentage of interviewed young farmers who perceived the issues mentioned in the figure below as problematic Availability of land to buy Availability of land to rent Subsidies Access to credits Qualified labour Machinery Other legal issues National inheritance law Access to new and useful knowledge Seasonal workers Access to useful trainings/ workshops/ networks Advice of extension services Access to insurance Interventions of my parents/ other persons Advise of private consultants % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, Young farmers needs in Hungary 9

12 The focus group participants confirmed and emphasised that the most pressing problem in Hungary is the lack of land. Measures are needed in order to help young professionals buy land, which could include simplification of legislation, licensing and application procedures. The aspect of other legal issues was also confirmed as a serious hindrance. This includes: Demanding bureaucracy that concerns licensing and application procedures; Continuously changing regulations (e.g. animal welfare, water intake, environment, etc.). The sanctioning and limiting approach of the authorities and the Paying Agency is not very supportive; Very strong regulatory anger which means that problems are solved with new rules and regulations, so everything becomes over -regulated and complicated; The ones preparing the legislation and procedures (public servants) do not understand the reality and practicalities of farming; hence, they need awareness raising, trainings and at least half a year s practical work experience in agriculture; The unilateral cultivation and integrator contracts cause problems for young farmers, especially to those without a family member to transfer the knowledge on how to manage beneficial contracts to. There is no culture of balanced terms of conditions. Farmers are quite vulnerable in this respect. The possibility of a unilateral contract modification was recently prohibited, which is favourable for farmers and forces the integrators to be more cooperative; Even farmers with higher education are not able to understand legislation and application procedures due to their complicated nature. They need legal advisors/professionals for writing applications for support. That increases the vulnerability and costs of the farmers; On the other hand, lack of management skills and culture lead to some a type of loose legal discipline. One example is the young farmers support scheme. Many young farmers submitted their application without reading the terms and conditions which led to a high rate of repayment. Concerning the availability and cost of insurance, it was mentioned that having insurance was not usual practice. However, to qualify for loans and for support from banks, insurance is a basic eligibility criteria. There has not been any real competition among insurance companies. Some positive changes are expected next year. A need that was not addressed by the survey, is the lack of practical trainings and work experience programmes for young farmers. Instead of the traditional teaching, young farmers need practical, interactive trainings. According to the focus group, issues that hamper the entrance of young farmers into this business are a lack of capital and financial uncertainty. Agriculture remains an unstable source of living and the market is very unpredictable. Small farms struggle financially and a lot of work is needed to keep the business going. These aspects are not attractive for someone who is thinking of starting out in farming. Another aspect that holds people back from starting to farm is the low quality services in rural areas. However, the focus group perceived that this matter would be less deterring if farming was more profitable. 10 Young farmers needs in Hungary

13 3.2 Knowledge needs of young farmers The interviewed young farmers were asked how likely it is that they will develop the skills mentioned in the table below through trainings, courses, workshops, study groups or participation in an exchange scheme. The results are included in the figure below. OUTCOME: The interviewed young Hungarian farmers perceive it as more likely than other young farmers in the EU that they will develop marketing, communication and networking skills and skills related to the development of a farm strategy and foreign languages. Figure 3.2 Knowledge needs of young farmers percentage of respondents who answered that it was likely that they will develop the skills mentioned in the table below through trainings, courses, workshops, study groups or participation in an exchange scheme Obtain specific technological knowledge necessary for the farm Develop a farm strategy Skills related to applying for subsidies/ grants/ credit Financial skills Management skills Communication skills Networking skills/ ability to create partnership Resource and nature/ environment management Marketing skills Skills related to the improvement of animal welfare Foreign languages %ofrespondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, Participants of the focus group confirmed that management, business administration and trading skills are the greatest knowledge needs in Hungary. In addition, they provided the following remarks: The education system does not teach a number of basic skills including (among others) how to run a successful business, where profits can be made or how to increase added value. It was stated that practical trainings should be focused on more since this is a weak point, especially of vocational education (practical education and knowledge is needed). Based on the Young Farmers Observatory managed by AGRYA, young farmers need short, intensive interactive practical trainings; The focus group explained the issue regarding the education system as follows: in the last 15 years, Hungary has failed to integrate business administration, farm management and trade in the agricultural education system, including secondary, higher vocational education and adult education. This issue is not treated as being important but it is a problem, especially for young farmers starting their own business. It is interesting that the representatives of training Young farmers needs in Hungary 11

14 institutions mentioned that the trainers and schools do not feel that it is an important issue. At the same time, the representatives of the farmers organisations say that students do not recognise the importance of such subjects either. One of the participants, a young farmer, mentioned that he finished university without having the opportunity to learn about farm management, practical business administration and business planning (such as the Danish model farms). They should receive practical training in management and business administration. Being a good farmer is not the same as being a good entrepreneur. The latter is crucial for farmers to survive; In sectors other than agriculture, buying the business development and management expertise is more common. In Hungary this practice is not widespread within agriculture. Farmers manage the production and the business. The reasons are at least threefold: there is no culture for such practice (farmers do not even think of such options), no good agricultural business advisors are available and there is no money to buy such expertise. Due to historical reasons, inheriting such knowledge is less common than in western Europe (in Hungary, family farms have not been established for as long); The lack of foreign language skills is overstated given that the willingness to learn other languages is lower than presented. Being able to communicate in foreign languages is useful to get to know other cultures (meaning business and farming culture), broadening one s views, as well as gaining motivation and ideas for further developments. However foreign language skills are not crucial for farming activities. At the same time, the great added value in being able to find advice, innovative practices, assistance from foreign sources was also stated several times by various focus group members; The networking skills and partnership building are highly ranked needs in the survey. However, it is rather difficult to get the farmers to mobilise themselves in order to participate in events aimed at establishing partnerships. Therefore, the result on the networking skills presented in the graph is found to be a bit questionable according to the focus group; The focus group mentioned that the average farming environment in Hungary does not make many of the listed types of knowledge necessary. Farmers (especially in crop production) do not necessarily need networking, communication, marketing or foreign language skills, since they can be sure that the same dealer will buy all their products year on year without any networking, communication or marketing. 12 Young farmers needs in Hungary

15 4 Needs regarding learning and communication Young farmers were asked about their needs regarding learning and communication: Through which sources do young farmers like to obtain knowledge? Which persons or institutions are information sources for young farmers? 4.1 Most used information sources The interviewed young farmers indicated that the following sources were most used for obtaining knowledge. OUTCOME: The interviewed young Hungarian farmers seem to be more interested than other young farmers in the EU in participating in an exchange scheme, visiting fairs or exhibitions, reading and looking for information on the internet and discussions on the internet. However, joining study groups or networks, social media and online trainings or e-learning seem to be less frequently used sources to obtain knowledge by the interviewed young Hungarian farmers than by other young farmers in the EU. Figure 4.1 Sources that young farmers use to obtain knowledge (% of respondents) Reading and looking for information on the internet Field days/ excursion Individual advice Visiting fairs/ exhibitions etc. (Agricultural) training or course Farmers journal Participating in workshops/ seminars/ conferences Joining a study group or network Participation in an exchange scheme Social media Participating in discussions on the internet Online training/ e-learning through the internet % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, Young farmers needs in Hungary 13

16 4.2 Young farmers obtaining information from people and institutions The interviewed young farmers were asked from which people and institutions they obtain knowledge. The figure below presents an overview. OUTCOME: The interviewed young Hungarian farmers use the national government, accountants, buyers or consumers, banks and agricultural consultants as information sources more often than other young farmers in the EU, while farmers associations and political parties seem to be less important information sources. Figure 4.2 Information sources for young farmers Other farmers Farmers associations Agricultural consultants and advisors/ extensionists Input supplier Buyer/ customer Veterinarian Research institutes or similar Schools/ training institutes Accountants Banks Local government National government Political parties or party organisations % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, The focus group discussed or suggested the following aspects: The representative of the Chamber of Agriculture mentioned that as a public body, the Chamber is an important communication channel of information. The information from the Chamber of agriculture is not an option in the questionnaire; In Hungary personal interactions/contacts are very important in gaining knowledge and information. This includes information and knowledge obtained from other farmers as well as learning from each other. These aspects were not an option in the questionnaire. Farmers are forced to obtain knowledge from many scattered sources because there is no reliable, systematic knowledge source that they can use. The quality of education for adults is quite weak and there is no developed system of adult education; Due to historical reasons, inheriting a farm and receiving knowledge from parents is not as common as in western Europe. This is predicted to change as a result of the land act (which makes it almost impossible to buy land for farming when having no farming background). Multigenerational farming will become more common as a result; 14 Young farmers needs in Hungary

17 The quality of the extension services is very varied. For instance, in Nógrád county, where one of the young participants started farming, even the basic professional and practical knowledge is hard to obtain, let alone information on business management skills and knowledge; Agricultural magazines are mostly useful for large-scale farms and less so for small family farms. Young farmers needs in Hungary 15

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19 5 Hindrances in obtaining information The interviewed young farmers were asked which issues were hindering them most in obtaining information, e.g. lack of time, too many sources, the language in which the information is available, the costs of the information, lack of good internet connection. The figure below describes the results. OUTCOME: Lack of time seems to be a more important hindrance in obtaining information for the interviewed young Hungarian farmers than for other young farmers in the EU. A missing or bad internet connection seems to be a less significant hindrance. Figure 5.1 Issues that hinder young farmers in obtaining information (% of respondents) Lack of time Too many different sources Language Costs Don t know where to find it Missing or bad internet connection Lack of interest % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, 2015 The focus group provided the following observations on the outcomes presented in Figure 5.1: They confirmed that the lack of time is a serious issue; Lack of language knowledge is not so much of a problem in relation to everyday farming. It only becomes a hindrance if a farmer wants to develop new technologies; Lack of interest and motivation is a bigger problem than reflected in the graph; Lack of motivation among teachers, trainers, training institutes to open up towards new knowledge sources and ways of teaching farm business management is a serious problem; Students participation fees and travel costs can be a serious problem. For farmers they are not so much of a hindrance. Concerning barriers not addressed by the survey, the focus group mentioned the following issues: Quality (and style) of information can be a serious barrier. Messages should be clear, concise, easy to understand and avoid legal jargon. They should be targeted at people who spend their days working in the fields. This requirement is often not met. This is especially the case for communication regarding support schemes and legal requirements; Young farmers needs in Hungary 17

20 Complex assistance is lacking. There is an absence of information and knowledge sources and networks, which are suitable for looking at farms as a whole and are able to provide technical and business advice and take responsibility for the advice; There is a lack of problem-solving skills (farmers wait for the solution and are not active in solving the problem by learning themselves); There is lack of communications and media professionals that understand farmers world, mind set and language. Mainstream communications experts are usually not suitable for this. 18 Young farmers needs in Hungary

21 6 Suitability of exchange schemes The young farmers were also asked about the suitability of the exchange schemes to address their knowledge needs and their interest in participating in these schemes. This was done by asking about: Participation of young farmers in exchange schemes and their satisfaction and awareness of exchange schemes; Young farmers attitudes with regard to participating in an exchange scheme; Issues that hinder young farmers in participating in an exchange scheme; Intention of young farmers to join an exchange scheme; Opinion of young farmers about exchange schemes. 6.1 Participation of young farmers in exchange schemes and their satisfaction and awareness of exchange schemes The interviewed young farmers were asked: How aware they are of existing exchange schemes in their country; If they participated in an exchange scheme; If they improved their skills after participating in an exchange scheme; If the exchange scheme taught the young farmer what he wanted to learn. The figure below presents an overview. OUTCOME: The number of interviewed young Hungarian farmers that did participate in an exchange scheme or is aware of an existing exchange scheme is quite low, similarly to that of other young farmers in EU-15 and EU-28. However, it seems to be higher than that of young farmers in the new Member States. Like other young farmers in the EU, young Hungarian farmers who did participate in an exchange scheme were enthusiastic about it. Figure 6.1 Participation of young farmers in exchange schemes and their satisfaction and awareness of exchange schemes (% of respondents) Young farmer improved skills after participation in an exchange scheme Exchange scheme taught young farmer what he wanted to learn Participation in exchange scheme? Awareness of young farmer of existing exchange scheme in his country % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, Young farmers needs in Hungary 19

22 6.2 Young farmers attitudes with regard to participation in an exchange scheme The interviewed young farmers have been asked: If they consider participating in an exchange scheme in their own country useful; If they consider participating in an exchange scheme in their own country realistic; If they consider participating in an international exchange useful; If they consider participating in an international exchange realistic. The figure below presents an overview. OUTCOME: The interviewed young Hungarian farmers more often perceive participation in (inter)national exchange schemes as useful and/ or realistic than other young farmers in the EU. Figure 6.2 Young farmers attitudes with regard to participation in an exchange scheme Young farmers perceive participation in an exchange scheme in own country useful Young farmers perceive participation in an international exchange scheme useful Young farmers perceive participation in an exchange scheme in own country realistic Young farmers perceive participation in an international exchange scheme realistic % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, Issues that hinder young farmers in participating in an exchange scheme The interviewed young farmers were asked which issues were hindering them most in participating in an exchange scheme, e.g. lack of time, no replacement at their farm, language barrier, the costs of the exchange, lack of knowledge on the exchange. The figure below describes the results. OUTCOME: Like other young farmers in the EU, the interviewed Hungarian farmers perceive lack of time as the main hindrance in participating in an exchange scheme. Language barrier and having no replacement on the farm seem to be slightly more important hindrances for the interviewed young Hungarian farmers than for the other young farmers in the EU and lack of money and lack of knowledge seem to be less problematic to them. 20 Young farmers needs in Hungary

23 Figure 6.3 Issues that hinder young farmers in participating in an exchange scheme Lack of time No replacement on my farm Lack of money Language barrier Lack of knowledge % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, The focus group added that in Hungary, knowledge of foreign languages is a weak point in the education system. For a number of countries, no visa can be obtained without some language knowledge. It is also an obstacle to receiving trainees or interns from abroad. The farm replacement is a complicated issue according to the focus group. Those with family members to take over daily tasks usually have no need for replacement services. In the case of larger farms, there are usually employees that can take over duties for a short period of time, so in their case replacement services are not necessary either. In the case of small farms, where there are no family members or employees to take over the farm for a short period of time, farm replacement services would be needed. However it would only work if the person taking over the farm is known and trusted by the farmer. The other reason is that most Hungarian farms work with old machinery and equipment that needs fixing often, which only the local farmer knows how to do. Another main issue is trust. Farmers are more likely to trust other neighbouring farmers as a temporary replacement than someone from the village extension network, or others providing replacement as a business service. The extent of the need for replacement services also depends on the sector. For animal husbandry, replacement services might be needed more than in crop production. Small farms would usually not be able to pay for such services if they are organised on the market basis, not as a financially supported activity. Participants said that replacement is not a priority and overall they were quite sceptical towards the success of such services due to the above-mentioned reasons (but mostly mistrust). 6.4 Intention of young farmers of joining an exchange scheme The interviewed young farmers were asked if: They have the intention of joining an exchange scheme in their own country; They will join an exchange scheme in their own country; They have the intention of joining an exchange scheme abroad; They will join an exchange scheme abroad. Young farmers needs in Hungary 21

24 The results are included in the figure below. OUTCOME: The intention of the interviewed young Hungarian farmers to join an (inter)national exchange scheme seems to be higher than that of other young farmers in the EU. Figure 6.4 Intention of young farmers of joining an exchange scheme (% of respondents) I have the intention of joining an exchange scheme in my own country I have the intention of joining an exchange scheme abroad I will join an exchange scheme abroad I will join an exchange scheme in my own country % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, Opinion of young farmers about exchange schemes The interviewed young farmers were asked their opinion of exchange schemes. They were asked if it would be a valuable experience for them, improve their skills (either management, marketing, networking skills), cost them a lot of time or money and if it would improve the family income or farm results. The figure below presents the results. OUTCOME: The interviewed young Hungarian farmers perceive to a greater extent than other young farmers in the EU that participation in an exchange scheme will be a valuable experience for them and will improve their farm results, family income and networking and marketing skills. They also say more often than other young farmers in the EU that it will cost them a lot of money. 22 Young farmers needs in Hungary

25 Figure 6.5 Opinion of young farmers about exchange schemes (% of respondents) Participation in an exchange scheme will Hungary be a valuable experience for me improve my networking skills improve my farm results improve my management skills improve my marketing skills cost me a lot of time improve my family income cost me a lot of money % of respondents EU28 new MS EU15 Hungary Source: Ecorys in cooperation with LEI and Aequator Groen & Ruimte, Young farmers needs in Hungary 23

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27 7 Focus group participants The following people participated in the focus group: Name Organisation 1 Mikula Lajos AGRYA, president 2 Hódi Ágota Ministry of Agriculture, farmer (horticulture) 3 Wayda Imre Balázs Prime Minister s Office, Dept. of agr. Dev., responsible for training and extension service 4 Benedek Borbála Chamber of Agriculture, young farmer 5 ifj. Hubai Imre Chamber of Agriculture, National Association for Hungarian Farmers' Societies and Farmers' Associations, member of National Rural Network Presidency, farmer 6 Marticsek József member of National Rural Network Presidency, young farmer 7 Wayda Imréné National Agricultural Extension, Training and Rural Development Institute, head of Training and Agricultural Extension Directorate 8 Füsi Erzsébet National Agricultural Extension, Training and Rural Development Institute (responsible for demonstration farm program) 9 Angyal Zoltán Rural Exchange Training Abroad (R-ETA Kft.) Ltd. 10 Rácz Kata Agricultural Research Institute 11 Dezsény Zoltán Research Institute of Organic Agriculture Reporter: Karácsony Krisztián, Ecorys Hungary Moderator: Nemes Gusztáv, Magócs Krisztina Date focus group: 4 November 2014 Place: Budapest, Hungary Young farmers needs in Hungary 25

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