A HELYI TERMELŐI PIACOK HÁTTERE A 2014-2020 KÖZÖTTI TERÜLET- ÉS VIDÉKFEJLESZTÉSBEN, KÜLÖNÖS TEKINTETTEL A BALATON TÉRSÉGÉRE

Abstract

In the past years local farmers’ markets appeared in an increasing number over Hungary. According to the
international practice they provide direct sales opportunities for the local producers and also emphasize the
advantages of this selling manner. Despite of the positive feedback in other developed European countries,
due to the different cultural and socio-economic characteristics of our country the role of this market type in
the rural development can be questioned.
This study reviews the possibilities for establishing, developing or expanding local farmers’ markets
presented in the 2014-2020 EU budget cycle. In the Balaton Recreational Area, the second most popular
Hungarian touristic region, these local markets may be an alternative food suppliers for the seasonally
increaseing population. However, this short term demand rather serves as a supplement for the farmers’
income than providing actual jobs for longer period. According to earlier researches, which the Hungarian
rural development strategy was also based on, the selected settlements managed to establish local markets,
although there are differences in their locations between the coastal and background settlements. My study
proved that the detailed analysis exploring the effects of these markets on rural development is necessary,
even though their positive influence on the rural economy and importance as a long-term source of income
is uncertain.