Innovation and Cooperation in Agriculture and Rural Areas as well as Digitalization in Agriculture
Promotion of innovation and cooperation through Operational Groups and alliances in Hesse for the development of practical solutions in agriculture, forestry, and the food industry. Applications are accepted in annual selection rounds.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Promotion of innovation and collaboration among various stakeholders (farmers, research, advisory services, companies) in rural areas of Hesse for the development and implementation of new products, processes, and business models, as well as for strengthening regional value chains and sustainable resilience against climate change.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Travel costs
- Material costs
- Honoraria
- Patents and licenses
Non-eligible expenses
- Land acquisition
- Purchase of used machinery
- Value-added tax
- Real estate transfer tax
- Non-cash own contributions
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
- Companies
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- At least two partners, including at least one agricultural enterprise
- Headquartered in Hesse
- Establishment of a cooperation agreement
- Submission of an action plan
- Use of qualified personnel
Documents required for application
- Action Plan
- Cooperation Agreement
- Financing Plan
- Project Description
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Relevance for the target group
- Sustainability and environmental contribution
- Practical relevance and implementation orientation
Description
In Hesse, innovative projects and cooperation networks are funded with the aim of developing practical solutions for agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and the food industry. Operational groups link farmers, science, advisory services, companies, and associations to develop new products, processes, and business models and to strengthen knowledge transfer. Through joint approaches, regional value chains are to be expanded, animal- and environmentally-friendly production methods promoted, and resilience to climate change increased. Another focus is on exchange within networks to leverage synergies and introduce innovative digitization strategies, including smart plant protection or meat monitoring systems, into enterprises.
Eligible for funding are public institutions, educational institutions, companies, interest groups, or non-profit organizations that form an operational group or cooperation network together with at least two partners, including one agricultural enterprise. The project duration is up to 60 months, with funding amounts up to €600,000 plus up to €200,000 for investments. Personnel costs, material costs, travel expenses, allowances, as well as patent and license fees are funded. Requirements for application include a written cooperation agreement, a detailed action plan, a financing plan, and proof of qualified personnel. Submission takes place in annual selection rounds via the Hessian Agricultural Portal at the Regional Council of Gießen.
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