Covid Crisis Experiences of Hungarian Small Family Farms Engaged in Multifunctional Agriculture

Abstract

The paper presents the experiences and survival strategies of small family businesses engaged in multifunctional agricultural activities in Hungary during the COVID crisis. The following topics were examined: human resources, supplier-customer relations, production and sales, distribution channels, inputs and outputs prices, strategies and business models, and subsidies in agricultural sectors combined with financial assistance. The study was conducted using a qualitative research methodology, with the help of structured in-depth interviews made with 22 small family businesses. The results show that multifunctional family businesses performed well. The health consequences and the measures taken by the government caused disruption but did not completely hinder the operation of businesses.