The VISIONARY project and the Institute of Agricultural Economics (AKI) are inviting to their Cross Country Visit in Hungary.

 

Where & When?

Budapest, Hungary | September 11-12, 2025

The event will begin early on September 11, so arrival ought to be planned for September 10.

The venues of the first day will be in the central region of Hungary, and AKI will organise travel to the sites.

Who?

We will be happy to welcome:

• Organisers of alternative food initiatives,
• Representatives of AFNs,
• Experts and researchers whose work involves AFNs and food systems’ sustainability transition,
• Grain producers
• Participants in grain value chains
• Policymakers and institutional stakeholders in the agri-food sector,
• Agri-environmental NGO representatives.

Topics possibly covered during the visit:

• What strategies can AFNs adopt to maintain their core values while navigating the pressures of commercial expansion?
• In what ways can niche innovations in agri-food systems gain broader traction without compromising their identity?
• How can alternative supply chains effectively engage with dominant markets and consumers’ demand without being absorbed or diluted by mainstream dynamics?
• What role do education and consumer awareness play in shifting entrenched cultural preferences and purchasing habits within the grain-to-bread system?
• How can policy and regulatory frameworks be improved to more effectively support localised food supply chains?

Preliminary agenda

Day 1 (11 September)

Visit to HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research – Introduction to quality-oriented cereal breeding and research of various cereal crop varieties

Visit to Csoroszlya Farm – The 300-hectare organic farm grows bread grains and produces its own organic flour with an Astrié stone mill.

Visit to Pipacs Bakery – A pioneer artisan bakery using organic ingredients and natural sourdough technology.

Day 2 (12 September)

Knowledge exchange workshop at AKI in Budapest

Costs:

Participants (or their organisations/inviting organisations) must cover travel and subsistence expenses. The hosting organisation will cover activities outlined in the agenda, including Day 1 lunch and Day 2 lunch.

For any additional information, please contact:

Gábor Király (kiraly.gabor(at)aki.gov.hu)

Registration:

We kindly ask you to complete your registration by 22 Aug 2025 to assist us with practical organisational arrangements.

Registration link: https://forms.office.com/e/KTEM87rpUy