EAFRD 2023-2027: Investments in the Processing and Marketing of Agricultural Products

Within the framework of the EAFRD funding period 2023–2027, the funding program "Investments in Ecological Improvements and Measures to Reduce Flood Risk – Improvement of Water Management" provides targeted financial assistance for water management infrastructure projects in rural areas. Beneficiaries include water cooperatives, municipalities, municipal associations, as well as associations and individual enterprises in agriculture and forestry. Funded are investment measures such as swale, ditch, and retention techniques, terrain profiling to delay surface runoff, sedimentation areas, and structural water storage facilities. A prerequisite is the legal water usage entitlement with water law approval and nature conservation authorization. A technical preliminary review by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Water Management (BML) ensures compatibility with national water framework directives.

The disbursement rate amounts to up to 50% of eligible investment costs – in disadvantaged water catchment areas even up to 80%. A minimum investment volume of €5,000 must be provided per individual project. No funding is granted for facilities without water law approval or for the expansion of existing irrigation networks. Applications are submitted electronically via the Digital Funding Platform of Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA), while approval and technical support are the responsibility of the regional authorities. Complementarily, the program supports climate-resilient and water-sensitive agriculture, strengthens regional water retention capacities, and thus makes an important contribution to drought and flood prevention in rural areas. Interested operators can find all information and funding documents at www.eama.at.