Parliament has defined the concept of a farmer's market and included it in the Hungarian Trade Act. Agricultural and food products that are cultivated or produced in the given county or within an area of 40 kilometres may be sold at the local market. Producers from throughout the country may bring their wares to Budapest for sale. The new regulations come into force on January 1, 2012.

The initiative suggested by Member of Parliament Sándor Font, aimed at making it easier to open a farmer's market and simplify their operating regulations in view of the fact that current laws place too great a burden on the organisers of markets, was also supported by the Ministry or Rural Development. According to the newly adopted parliamentary initiative, from the beginning of next year opening a farmer's market will only require the notification of the Hungarian Trade Licensing Office.

The amendment to the current law with regard to local markets is in harmony with the Ministry's endeavours and statutes, such as those governing small-scale producers, since the simplification of the production and distribution of local goods contributes to improving the quality of rural life and the preservation of local values. The ministry will develop the rules and regulations with regard to hygiene and the monitoring of farmer's markets at a later date.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)