Laszlo Nagy, leader of the Hungarian Fruit and Vegetable Interprofessional Organisation’s (FruitVeB) branch for mushrooms, said the value of the production could reach HUF 30-40 billion per year, compared to the current HUF 15-20 billion per year.
The expert noted that despite the fact that mushrooms are an extremely labour-intensive crop, their waste can be used in the production of the much needed compost.
One of the goals set is to increase Hungary’s current mushroom domestic consumption from 1.5 to 2.5 kilos per capita per year. Additionally, the country also aims to significantly expand its exports, especially in eastern European markets, such as Russia. Roughly half of Hungary’s mushroom production is sold overseas, mainly in countries such as Austria, Slovakia and Romania. The best-selling Hungarian mushrooms may also be sold in Germany and France.
According to estimations, in order to make Hungary’s development strategy a reality by 2020, a total investment of HUF 25-30 billion would be needed.
