Funding of plant protection measures against fire blight

The funding measure of the state of Vorarlberg supports natural and legal persons as well as cooperatives, companies, non-profit and public institutions, foundations, interest groups, and associations in plant protection measures against fire blight. One third of the incurred costs for the professional pruning, uprooting, burning, and, if necessary, stump grinding of affected woody plants are covered. Additionally, expenses for the coordination of the measures and defined materials are subsidized. A prerequisite is an assessment by the local fire blight officer of the municipality as well as the application submission through the respective municipality. This continuously available grant funding aims to reduce the risk of infection by fire blight and thereby ensure the preservation of fruit and ornamental woody plants in private and public green spaces.

Interested funding recipients benefit from a transparent and straightforward process, where applications can be submitted continuously from January 1, 2013. The program follows the Plant Protection Act and the General Funding Guidelines of the state of Vorarlberg and is designed for unlimited duration. With a funding rate of 33 percent, the state of Vorarlberg specifically contributes to cost relief and strengthens regional agriculture as well as rural areas. The funding makes a significant contribution to the sustainable control of fire blight and promotes cooperation between municipalities, specialist officers, and the private sector.