Quality Improvement in Animal Husbandry

The program "Quality Improvement in Animal Husbandry" supports nationwide inter-company collaborations of breeder associations, producer organizations, cooperatives, as well as interest groups and public institutions. The objective is the sustainable enhancement of the quality of animal products through comprehensive breeding programs, animal health preventive measures, and effective public relations. Key performance characteristics such as breed diversity, animal welfare, and genetic variability are central. Funding is provided, among other things, for the coordination and implementation of herd book management, performance testing, and breeding value estimation, as well as presentations at international exhibitions and consumer information campaigns. Additionally, the funding program supports conservation measures for endangered livestock breeds and co-financed preventive programs against animal diseases, including vaccine costs.

As a grant, funding covers 12-month project periods with funding rates between 70% and 100% of eligible expenses (personnel, material costs, travel expenses, vaccines, as well as event and organizational costs). Applications can be submitted by October 31 of the previous year at the latest (for 2024 by December 31, 2023) using the provided forms. Funding requirements include establishment in Austria, pursuit of the special guideline objectives, as well as economic efficiency, appropriateness, and thriftiness of the project. The application process requires, among other documents, a completed funding application, a declaration of commitment, a needs assessment, and a financing plan. Funds are allocated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Water Management in coordination with the federal states. Interested organizations thus have the opportunity to promote innovations in animal breeding and optimally exploit market opportunities through high-quality products.