Forestry
Low-interest loan for investments in forestry to promote climate- and site-adapted forest conversion, afforestation, forest protection, and communal infrastructure. Applications can be submitted at any time until 31.12.2030 through the house bank.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for investments in forestry, particularly climate- and site-adapted forest conversion, afforestation, forest protection measures, as well as joint acquisitions and infrastructure projects.
Eligible expenses
- Initial afforestation of areas not previously used for forestry
- Climate- and site-adapted forest conversion
- Forest protection measures including wildlife protection and prevention of forest fires
- Clearing, storage, and reforestation after extreme weather or other damage events
- Joint purchase of machinery by forestry operations
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Non-eligible expenses
- Debt restructuring
- Debt service of existing loans
- Non-cash own contributions
- Investments in nurseries and Christmas tree plantations
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Cooperatives
- Individuals
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Forest owners
- Forestry associations and forest cooperatives
- Lessees of forest areas
- No projects in the area of debt restructuring or servicing of existing loans
- No non-cash contributions
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Documents required for application
- De minimis aid declaration
- Cumulative aid declaration
- Program conditions Forestry (PDF)
- Application via the house bank
Description
The funding program of the Agricultural Rentenbank is aimed at forest owners, forestry cooperatives, forest associations, and leaseholders regardless of the chosen legal form. It provides a low-interest loan of up to 100% of eligible expenses and enables investments of up to €10 million per year. The goal is climate- and site-adapted forest development, the initial afforestation of areas not previously used for forestry, comprehensive forest protection measures, as well as reforestation following extreme weather or other damage events. Applications can be submitted at any time through the applicant’s primary bank, with the application deadline running until December 31, 2030.
Eligible expenses include climate- and site-adapted forest conversion as well as measures for wildlife and fire protection. Additionally, the communal acquisition of machinery and infrastructure—such as timber storage, road maintenance, or water management—and the purchase of forest land are considered eligible investments. Clearing and storage in the event of damage are also included. Refinancing, servicing of existing loans, non-cash own contributions, and investments in tree nurseries and Christmas tree plantations are excluded. This funding option supports sustainable structures in rural areas and contributes to shaping future-proof forest ecosystems.