The Institute of Agricultural Economics (AKI) has played an important in the knowledge-based development of the Hungarian agricultural and food economy for 70 years. Our institute has operated as a background institution of the Ministry of Agriculture since the establishment of its predecessor (the Research Institute of Agricultural Economics) serving domestic agricultural policy and rural development through public data collection, research and decision-support activities.

Our main task is to develop well-founded and scientifically supported proposals for the decision-makers in Hungarian agricultural and rural policy, with particular attention to the domestic implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union.

As a leader in agricultural digitalization, AKI operates and develops various EU and national information systems such as the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), the Market Price Information System and the Agricultural Statistical Information System. These systems allow us to collect and process real data from farmers, which enable us to produce accurate and up-to-date analyses, forecasts and policy background materials.

From 2025, in accordance with EU expectations, the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) will be transformed into the Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN). As part of this, the domestic Test Farm Information System will be renewed, continuing to operate as a complex data collection and analysis network based on a representative sample reflecting the structure of Hungarian agriculture.

Our regional directorates – in Eastern Hungary, Central Hungary and Southern Transdanubia – provide direct contact with a data provider network consisting of more than 2,000 voluntary farms. Farms joining the system have access to customized information through the Agricultural Information Portal (AIP) link and may be eligible for additional points in the CAP Strategic Plan tenders.

We believe that the unity of policy decision support, scientific research and practical experience is essential for the success of the sector, therefore AKI supports collaboration between policy and economic actors with modern solutions, up-to-date knowledge and a high level of professional commitment. We are committed to promoting the development of a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector while monitoring industry changes and new challenges to shape the future of agriculture.