Funding Guideline for Ecological/Biological Agriculture (FRL ÖBL/2023)

Funding Guideline for Ecological/Biological Agriculture (FRL ÖBL/2023) supports the introduction and permanent application of ecological cultivation methods in Saxony. Eligible recipients of the funding are natural and legal persons as well as their associations engaged in agricultural activities, who manage the operation independently and apply environmentally friendly methods according to the current CAP Strategic Plan. The objective of the measure is the preservation and improvement of soil, water, and biodiversity. For this purpose, the Free State of Saxony provides subsidies through the joint task "Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection," which vary depending on the measure and type of land (arable land, grassland, vegetable or nursery crops). Support for conversion farmers can be increased during the first two years, after which a standardized premium is granted.

A prerequisite for approval is a one-time participation application in DIANAweb by December 15 of the previous year, as well as an annual payment application by May 15. Funding is granted for areas of at least 0.3 hectares with ecological use within the territory of the Free State of Saxony. The commitment period is five years, with a project duration of 60 months. A valid organic certificate or a signed control contract according to EU Regulation 2018/848 must be submitted with the participation application. The application package also includes a completed payment application and all plot-related evidence. Responsibility for review and approval lies with the Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG). Interested parties can access the technical information provided by the Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture (SMUL) to obtain comprehensive details on conditions, funding amounts, and visibility requirements.