Organic/Biological Farming and Agri-Environmental and Climate Measures in Rural Areas (FRL-Organic/AECM)

In Saarland, a government grant initiative supports agricultural enterprises in transitioning to or maintaining organic farming, as well as in implementing agri-environmental and climate measures in rural areas. A variety of concepts are funded, such as species-rich cultural landscapes, perennial flowering areas, the cultivation of large-grain legumes, extensive management of permanent grassland, and traditional orchards. The objective is to compensate for additional expenses and income losses, promote biodiversity, and reduce climate-relevant emissions. Eligible applicants are SMEs primarily engaged in agricultural activities with headquarters in Saarland, who commit to a five-year obligation period under the EU control procedure according to Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Grant rates range between €190 and €1,500 per hectare per year depending on the measure; newcomers benefit from increased premiums in the first two years.

The payment application must be submitted annually by May 15 before the start of the measure. Required documents for the application include, among others, the joint agricultural subsidy application, the organic control sheet, GIS-based area and usage proofs, certificates of further training and education, an irregularity/violation report, as well as documents regarding the farm owner status and farm location. A transparent selection procedure evaluates criteria such as crop production on at least 50% of the area, a minimum livestock stock of 10 LU, operation of a direct marketing facility, and qualification achievements. Interested farms without sanctions in the past five years are considered, as well as those actively contributing to climate and nature conservation. Combination options with other EAFRD measures complete the offering.