Promotion of Agri-Environmental and Climate Measures – Biodiversity and Soil Protection

The program “Promotion of Agri-environmental and Climate Measures – Biodiversity and Soil Protection” supports agricultural enterprises in Brandenburg in the voluntary implementation of ecological services beyond the requirements of the CAP conditionality. It is aimed at active farm owners and other beneficiaries who wish to implement measures on areas registered in the digital field block cadastre to preserve habitats, promote biodiversity, and protect soils from erosion and nutrient loss. The funding compensates for yield losses, additional expenses, and transaction costs for measures such as nature conservation-oriented grassland management, grazing, extensification, and the cultivation of large-seeded legumes. In designated areas – for example, FFH sites, valuable grassland biotopes, or wetlands and moors – a minimum overlap of up to 95 percent applies. In the event of anticipated budget exhaustion, a transparent points system determines project selection. Participation in nature conservation advisory services must be demonstrated as mandatory within the first three years. The duration of most measures is four years starting from January 1, 2025. Eligible applicants include, in addition to farmers under the CAP Direct Payments Regulation, cooperatives for cooperative climate protection and biodiversity measures.

Eligible expenses include renunciation of fertilization, fallow periods or late mowing, special mowing methods, and extensive grazing, as well as the establishment of field bird islands, light fields, and grassland conversions. A grant rate per tree is provided for the preservation and maintenance of orchard stands. The subsidy is provided as a fixed-amount financing through EAFRD funds and must be submitted electronically as a one-time application by December 31, 2024, to the respective competent agricultural office. Payments are made after positive administrative and usage verification in the following year. The guideline is valid until December 31, 2029, and pursues the EU objectives for climate protection, sustainable resource use, and the preservation of ecosystem services.