EAFRD 2023-2027: Agri-Environmental-Climate Measures (AECM)

The Austrian Program for the Promotion of Environmentally Friendly, Extensive, and Natural Habitat-Protecting Agriculture (ÖPUL 2023) is an ongoing EAFRD-funded initiative across all nine federal states. Running from 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2027 with a 100% subsidy, it implements measures from the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027 to strengthen soil, water, and climate protection, promote biodiversity, and secure rural incomes. Funded activities include environmentally friendly farming methods, refraining from silage preparation, cover cropping, extensive hay management, protection of mountain meadows, and endangered livestock breeds. The program targets agricultural enterprises and private individuals with at least 0.5 ha of land and active agricultural activity, registered on the AMA Digital Funding Platform. Up to €1,200 per hectare or up to €620 per breeding animal are available per measure, complemented by regional top-ups for specific requirements. Observation and monitoring programs (e.g., great bustard monitoring) can be optionally added.

Applications must be submitted annually between 01.01. and 31.12.; contracts commence at the calendar year. Funding prerequisites include compliance with national and EU regulations, including CAP conditionality, minimum area and livestock categories, site-appropriate crop rotations, as well as documentation obligations regarding seed, monitoring, records, and breeding book evidence. Administrative controls and on-site inspections ensure proper implementation. Agrarmarkt Austria acts as the paying agency, managing project administration on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism, Climate and Environment, and Water Management. ÖPUL 2023 makes a significant contribution to the sustainable development of Austrian agriculture and the protection of natural habitats.