Sustainable grassland management took centre stage in Kőszeg at the first stop of a model farm demonstration event series organized as part of the Grassland-HU LIFEIP Project. Presentations by Szilvia Orosz, Péter Tóth and Szabolcs Nagy highlighted the proper utilization of non-protected grasslands, adoption of nature-friendly practices and the value-based price setting are the key pillars of future agriculture.
Hungary’s grassland ecosystems play a crucial role in the country’s natural heritage. Three-quarters of protected plant species and half of protected animal species are associated with these habitats, said Bertalan Balczó at the opening event of a series of model farm demonstrations launched under the Grassland Project in Kőszeg. The Deputy State Secretary for Nature Conservation added that the Project plays a key role in the long-term preservation of domestic grasslands.
In the spring of 2025, the staff of the Hortobágy National Park Directorate organized a field day across several sites of the Grassland-HU project, which aims to ensure the long-term conservation of Pannonian grasslands and their associated habitats. Thanks to the habitat management activities carried out to date, we observed thriving plant communities at our demonstration sites.
How can we graze our livestock in a way that improves our soils, enriches our habitats, and also improves the well-being of our animals? Some of the questions are answered by the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture in a new professional publication. This magazine was prepared within the framework of the Grassland-HU LIFE IP project.
The fifth round of “The Secrets of Grasslands” photo contest draws attention to the beauty and diversity of grasslands. In the landscape category, participants are invited to present the charm and rich variety of grasslands from a broader perspective. A separate category was announced for showcasing the seasonal transformations of grassland habitats. We spoke with Bertalan Balczó, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural engineer, and chair of the jury, about the themes of the contest and the role of grassland protection, which lies at its core.
The future of farming is moving towards regenerative practices. The Top 50 Farmers initiative leads this change. Zoltán Lengyel, the head of Táncoskert Farm, is part of the program, showing that sustainable methods benefit both the environment and farmers.
The concerted and systematic collaboration of scientific disciplines, state authorities, and the public is indispensable for the conservation of endangered species. Species Action Plans serve precisely this purpose, outlining the threatening factors and the objectives and measures of the action program implemented for their protection.
The Lutheran Secondary School of Kőszeg organized a professional day on grassland management. As a model farm participating in the Grassland-HU LIFE Integrated Project , the institution aimed to provide its students and local farmers with up-to-date information on various aspects of grassland management.
On 26 February 2025, the Hortobágy National Park Directorate will organise the eighth event in its lecture series connected to the Grassland-HU LIFE Integrated Project. The upcoming lecture will be held by Péter Balogh, farmer and geographer, who will discuss the relationship between nature conservation and agricultural management.
On 19 February 2025, the Hortobágy National Park Directorate will organise the seventh event in its lecture series connected to the Grassland-HU LIFE Integrated Project. The upcoming lecture will be held by Balázs Lesku, professional adviser of the Hortobágy National Park Directorate, who will introduce the attendees to invasive plant species threatening our grassland habitats.