Bárkányi Ildikó szerk.: A Móra Ferenc Múzeum Évkönyve: Studia Ethnographica 7. (Szeged, 2011)
Fodor Ferenc: Adatok a Szeged környéki gazdakörök és gazdasági egyesületek történetéhez
The History of Agricultural Societies in Szeged by FERENC FODOR The economic development characterizing the second half of the 19 t h century strengthened the movement of agricultural societies in Hungary. Count Sándor Károlyi played a leading role in establishing associations of both national and local significance. Hungarian agricultural movement announced its programme in 1879, on the occasion of the agricultural congress organized in the town of Székesfehérvár. It aimed at promoting agricultural interests, as well as at protecting the landed properties of peasants. Among others, agricultural associations protested against corrupt practices in agriculture, they also demanded the extension of agricultural education and press, together with the introduction of the corporate agricultural system. Later on Sándor Károlyi established consumer associations, so-called Hangya Cooperative Associations. In 1949 Hangya retail shops and premises were taken over by agricultural cooperatives, later by newly formed cooperative associations called ÁFÉSZ. The Szeged Agricultural Association was founded in Szeged on 29 March, 1880, led by Ferenc Pálffy. With the support of the association several new farmers' associations were organized around Szeged. The associations invited well-respected high-ranking officials, also teachers, doctors and lawyers of the city to their formation meeting, hoping to vindicate their interests more effectively. Most important aim of the associations was to foster economic growth, and to promote the spiritual and material development of local inhabitants. Farmers' associations, together with Hangya Cooperative Associations were then eliminated. Their premises were nationalized without compensation. 91
