Pioneering Agroecology: A Nationwide Transition Survey of Hungary’s Medium and Large-Scale Farms

How do medium and large-scale farms navigate the transition to agroecology? To answer this, we conducted a landmark one-year research project, supported by the Institute for the Integrity of Creation at Pázmány Péter Catholic University. This study stands as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Hungary, specifically focusing on the challenges and adoption of agroecological practices within farms ranging from 500 to 1,200 hectares and above 1,200 hectares.

Unprecedented Scale and Ground-Level Methodology 

The research achieved an extraordinary reach, covering 241,500 hectares—approximately 6% of all Hungarian farmland. Our multidisciplinary team of experts didn't just send out forms; we conducted 114 personal, on-site interviews across all 19 counties. This face-to-face approach allowed us to map the "psychological landscape" of Hungarian agriculture, revealing deep-seated motivations that standard surveys often miss.

Key Findings

The Climate Imperative 

Our data uncovered a tectonic shift in farmer motivation. We found that climate change has now surpassed policy regulations and subsidies as the primary driver for operational change. Farmers are moving from simple efficiency (2nd level of transition) toward active input substitution (3rd level), with 91% already implementing moisture-retaining tillage practices. The study also highlighted the vital social role these large farms play in rural employment and local resilience, often serving as the primary pillars of their regional communities.

A Strategic Roadmap for the Sector 

Presented at the National Agriculture and Food Exhibition (OMÉK), the findings provide an empirical foundation for future sector development. By capturing the real-world experiences and adaptation strategies of Hungary’s largest land managers, this research serves as a vital bridge between scientific ecological principles and practical, large-scale agricultural operations.