Transfer of new insights from research and development projects into agricultural practice in the context of model and demonstration projects on animal welfare for small and medium-sized enterprises

The grant program for Model and Demonstration Projects in Animal Welfare specifically promotes the nationwide transfer of scientific findings from research and development projects into agricultural practice. It supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs according to the EU definition) as well as knowledge transfer providers in implementing innovative animal welfare measures in livestock farming. The funding areas include Research & Innovation as well as Agriculture & Rural Development. With a project duration of up to 36 months and ongoing application submissions, the federal government – represented by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture – in cooperation with the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) enables the testing of new procedures, products, or techniques that significantly raise the level of animal welfare beyond legal minimum standards. Demonstration projects are funded that, through high practical relevance and multiplier effects, provide impulses for the entire agricultural sector.

Eligible to participate are SMEs and knowledge transfer institutions with a registered office in Germany that possess relevant experience and qualifications. Funding prerequisites include, among others, that the measure has not yet been offered in practice and makes a significant contribution to improving previous information measures. Projects are evaluated according to the criteria of animal welfare relevance, model character, quality of knowledge transfer, and practical relevance. Funding modules can be combined with other public funds, provided that state aid law limits are observed. The program particularly addresses demonstration farms that wish to play a decisive role in shaping the path towards more animal-friendly livestock farming.