“Research into new plant strains is one of the key elements of crop production, in view of the fact that biological resources represent secure production for the agrarian and forest management sectors”, Minister of Agriculture Sándor Fazekas said that the “125 Years of Hungarian Plant Research” conference.
In his opening speech, the Minister said: “125 years ago, the gaol of plant strain research activities that began in Hungary was for farmers to become widely acquainted with gene preservation, variety maintenance and propagating material farming methods”.
The preservation of genetic materials that provide the foundations for high standard crop production, and the state acknowledgement of new plant strains, is a fundamental agricultural interest. As is the creation and modern application of suitable quality seeds, vegetative propagating materials and planting materials. This is what assures the maintaining of food security and the Hungarian people’s access to high-quality, GMO-free foods”, Mr. Fazekas stated.
“The system that was devised and launched over a hundred years ago by Sándor Cserháti has developed to become one of the world’s most modern monitoring systems, which applies the achievements of both Hungarian and international research, and applied and practical sciences, while taking into account the expectations and requirements of Hungarian farmers”, he continued.
“Today, state plant research with a long history still represent a guarantee that modern plant species will be introduced into public crop production, and is also the basis for the production of excellent quality, healthy foods”, the Minister said, explaining that these days, in accordance with Hungarian and international law, Hungarian plant research activities based on uniform methodology are performed by the Plant Breeding and Horticulture Directorate of the National Food Chain Safety Office (NFCSO).
Mr. Fazekas also told this present that genetic diversity and the protection of genetic resources are being given a prominent role in the agrarian sector’s long-term strategy. Hungary has established a research and breeding network aimed at creating the foundations for competitive Hungarian agricultural production, and accordingly in inclusion in public cultivation is preceded by a strict professional examination on the part of the NFCSO. This prevents the proliferation of plant strains that are economically useless or harmful to the environment.
“Based on the results of research, plant strains may receive state acknowledgement, which is a prerequisite for enabling new strains to reach consumers. This means that only crops that can be cultivated economically and in an environmentally friendly manner may be included in public cultivation. This is the basis for ensuring that healthy and tasty foods reach everyone’s tables”, Mr. Fazekas pointed out.
(MTI / Ministry of Agriculture Press Office)
