EAFRD 2023-2027: Investments in Inter-Enterprise Irrigation

Within the framework of the EAFRD program 2023–2027, associations of at least three agricultural enterprises, agricultural communities, as well as water cooperatives according to the Water Rights Act WRG 1959 are supported through grants for investments in cross-farm irrigation systems. The funding offer extends to all federal states of Austria and supports the construction as well as the renewal of infrastructure facilities for water extraction, storage, and treatment. Also funded are the connection to the power grid and the renewal of water extraction and distribution systems. Prerequisites include, among others, a water law permit, the installation of a water meter, and for existing facilities, a demonstrated savings potential of at least 15% and an electrical energy supply. The funding rate amounts to 50% to 70% of eligible expenses depending on the measure. Applications can be submitted continuously until 31.12.2027 to Agrarmarkt Austria via the Digital Funding Platform.

The program aims at the sustainable safeguarding of water resources and the optimization of irrigation of agricultural land. Costs for single-farm water application and irrigation systems with deep groundwater extraction are excluded. Project selection is based on a nationwide point system that considers criteria such as average rainfall during the vegetation period, number of participating enterprises, irrigated area in hectares, as well as the degree of innovation. By promoting cross-farm systems, efficient irrigation solutions at the regional level are supported, which simultaneously contribute to adaptation to climatic changes and strengthen the resilience of agricultural enterprises.