Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 5236 I EUROPEAN SEED I EUROPEAN-SEED.COM SPOTLIGHT: HUNGARIAN SEED ASSOCIATION ON THE WAY TO THE NEXT WORLD SEED CONGRESS AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE HUNGARIAN SEED ASSOCIATION. BY: GÁBOR POLGÁR MANAGING DIRECTOR AT HUNGARIAN SEED ASSOCIATION he Hungarian seed industry is one of the country’s most important and innovative sectors in the area of agribusiness. Plant production has a leading role among the various branches of Hungarian agriculture. More than 47 per cent of Hungarian territory is arable land and traditionally used for production of agricultural and horticultural plants. The main crops are cereals, maize, sunflower, oilseed rape and barley. The climate of the country is suitable for efficient production of all main agricultural crops. Two per cent of the EU’s agricultural output is produced in Hungary. In addition, 2.3 per cent of crop products, 1.7 per cent of animals and animal products, 4.9 per cent of the EU output of cereals, and 12 per cent of maize in the EU originates from Hungary. The output of industrial crops is significant, which primarily consists of oilseeds, which is mainly sunflower, adding up to 7.7 per cent of the EU output. Seed production plays a significant role in overall plant production, is the leading sector of Hungarian agriculture, and has a great tradition in Hungary because of the country’s natural resources—the soil’s nutrient content and climatic conditions. Traditional knowledge and highly educated professionals are the T foundation of Hungary’s seed production capability. Looking back at the history of the European seed business, the development of plant breeding and seed production in Hungary started at the end of the 19th century. The Royal Seed Inspection Station, the first organisation to have a primarily role in the regulation of the seed business’ processes, was established in 1875. The first Hungarian Seed Act, which was focused on the quality of seeds and weed content and limitation in alfalfa seed lots, was issued and entered into force in 1895. FROM CENTRAL ECONOMY TO OPEN MARKET At the beginning of the 20th century, in parallel with the development of variety breeding, variety tests and trials were introduced. At that time, many private companies started to produce and sell the seeds of various agricultural and horticultural species. Because of the vivid and prosperous seed market, the seed business became an essential part of Hungarian agriculture. The Hungarian Seed Trade Association was established in 1920. The further development of seed trading and professional activity led to the establishment and strengthening of international business relationships. Hungary was among the founders Hungarian Seed Association General Assembly.