Framework Guidelines for Contractual Nature Conservation

Within the framework of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), the state of North Rhine-Westphalia promotes contract-based conservation measures for nature-friendly management of agricultural land through the framework guidelines. As an integral part of the second pillar of the national CAP Strategic Plan, the program is overseen by the Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of NRW and co-financed by the EU at 57%. The objective is to curb and reverse the loss of biodiversity as well as to preserve animal and plant species, valuable habitats, and diverse cultural landscapes. Funding is provided, among other things, for the ecological management of arable land, conversion to extensive grassland, proper maintenance of open-land biotopes, as well as the establishment and supplementation of existing traditional orchards up to hedge maintenance. The subsidy amount varies depending on the type of measure; an annual de minimis threshold of 100 euros must be observed.

Interested parties include private land managers, companies, as well as farmers and other land users with land in North Rhine-Westphalia who wish to operate their businesses in accordance with the thematic areas of agriculture & rural development, environmental and nature conservation, as well as energy efficiency & climate protection. A prerequisite for the grant is compliance with management-related conditions, which vary depending on the measure, as well as implementation within funding zones for traditional orchards and hedges designated by the lower nature conservation authorities. The electronic application must be submitted by June 30 of each year via the ELAN-NRW portal; required documents include the ELAN-NRW application and proof of active farm operator status (BG decision). Coordination is the responsibility of the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV), ensuring practical support and professional guidance on site. With this funding, NRW strengthens voluntary cooperation between agriculture and nature conservation and supports a long-term sustainable development of rural areas.