CORENET STORIES: THE OPEN FARM NETWORK, A COOPERATIVE MODEL REVITALISING LOCAL AGRICULTURE
How collaboration and short supply chains create new opportunities for Hungarian farmers
Along Hungary’s western border, a dynamic agricultural initiative is reshaping how small farms connect with consumers. Coordinated by Tibor Szabó, the Open Farm Network in the Zala-völgy area has become a thriving example of how cooperation can strengthen local food systems and boost rural economies.
The model is simple but powerful: 36 farms work together to welcome visitors, share their production methods, and sell food directly on-site. Many also offer tastings, agro-tourism programmes, and even accommodation, creating a rich farm-to-visitor experience that goes far beyond traditional direct sales.
“By collaborating, farmers can reach goals they would never achieve alone”, Tibor explains. Joint open days attract significantly more guests, buyers, and curious visitors than individual farms could bring in on their own. Over the years, this shared effort has helped farmers diversify their income while building a stronger sense of community.
The initiative’s long-term impact has not gone unnoticed. Running successfully for more than seven years, the Open Farm Network has drawn interest from farmers across Hungary. Its clear potential for replication led COREnet to recognise it as a Golden Case – as a model of excellence that can inspire similar cooperative networks elsewhere.
Whether through annual open-day events or continuous year-round collaboration, the Open Farm Network demonstrates how short food supply chains can create resilient rural economies while bringing consumers closer to the source of their food.
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