The Ministry of Rural Development has increased national support for investments into fruit and vegetable producer groups from the former 5 percent to 25 percent. In 2010, this amounted to HUF 1.3bn and rose to HUF 1.6bn in 2011. The ministry added that around 250 organizations took advantage of the availability of 5-year grants. More than than 20,000 people work in the sector. Along with national support, the EU’s new Common Agricultural Policy also supports the strengthening of producer cooperatives.
