Promotion of Summer Pasture Grazing of Cattle

The Guideline for the Promotion of Summer Pasture Grazing of Cattle in Brandenburg, which came into effect in 2023, supports agricultural enterprises in the introduction or continuation of particularly animal-friendly husbandry practices. The goal is to adapt agricultural production to increasing societal demands for sustainability, animal welfare, and the conservation of natural resources. Dairy cattle (female cattle from six months of age) and beef cattle (cattle from six months of age) are subsidized with a fixed amount of 60 euros per livestock unit (LU) per year. Applications for the year 2024 could be submitted until June 30, 2024; for subsequent years, the deadline is December 1 of the previous year. The current funding guideline is valid until December 31, 2026. Requirements include daily grazing for at least five consecutive months between May and November, free access to drinking facilities, and at least 0.2 hectares of pasture area per LU. Dairy cattle may be briefly brought into the barn for milking; veterinarian-confirmed exceptions are possible.

Enterprises receiving direct payments under the CAP Direct Payment Act and operating in Brandenburg serve as grant recipients. Eligible expenses include pasture maintenance, pasture fencing, drinking facilities, as well as documentation efforts (pasture and barn logbooks). The maximum grant amounts to 20,000 euros per enterprise per year; applications below 500 euros are not accepted. Approval is granted by the State Office for Rural Development, Agriculture and Land Consolidation (LELF), Department F2. In addition to the application for the guideline, a declaration regarding de minimis aid, proof of livestock numbers, and barn and pasture logbooks must be submitted. Thus, the funding guideline makes an important contribution to species-appropriate animal husbandry and the sustainable development of cattle farming in Brandenburg.