Innovation Support of the BMEL (Framework Program)

The nationwide open innovation funding of the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Homeland is aimed at companies as well as universities and research institutions based in Germany. It supports application-oriented research and development projects in the agricultural and food sectors that advance technical and non-technical innovations, increase the maturity level of processes, and examine societal and legal framework conditions. Networking and transfer measures are also a focus, in order to disseminate knowledge in a targeted manner. The formal requirements include a German establishment, substantial economic participation, existing qualifications and operating resources, a realistic prospect of utilization and success, as well as the exclusion clause of alternative public funding. Furthermore, overall financing must be secured and an overriding federal interest demonstrated.

The funding is provided as a non-repayable grant of up to 50 % for industrial research and feasibility studies, as well as up to 25 % for experimental development of the eligible costs. Concept outlines can be submitted continuously within the framework of thematic announcements; additionally, the German Innovation Partnership Agriculture enables unsolicited applications by February 15 and August 15 each year. Interested project sponsors benefit from administrative support by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food as the project sponsor and set innovation impulses that sustainably strengthen Germany as a business location.