Lower Austria Agricultural Operations, Landscape-Shaping Measures

The described funding provides grants for the initial land preparation as well as the establishment and maintenance of landscape-shaping measures within the framework of consolidation, land rearrangement, and partition or regulation procedures in Lower Austria. Examples of supported measures include hedge and woody plant transplants, the creation of dry and wet biotopes, as well as connectivity strips to strengthen habitat networks. The goal is the sustainable enhancement of the cultural landscape, taking into account ecological requirements and environmentally sound soil management. Measures are supported with up to 100% of the eligible costs, including labor, investments, and material expenses in the funding calculation. Funding is continuously available; the current guideline commenced on January 1, 2018, with no time limitation on the application period.

Eligible for funding are agricultural communities such as consolidation, land rearrangement, and preservation communities, as well as agricultural associations; in procedures without a community, individual landowners may also submit applications. Prerequisites include the implementation of measures within the aforementioned procedures and the absence of other federal or state funding for the same project. To apply, the completed form from the Lower Austrian Agricultural District Authority, a declaration of commitment, where applicable an expert report on soil value assessment, as well as invoices or proof of use must be submitted. The processing is handled by the Lower Austrian Agricultural District Authority, Department of Land Development, which is responsible for technical evaluation, approval, and disbursement, ensuring efficient realization of the ecological projects.