Grant

Grants to Agricultural Enterprises – Agricultural Investment Promotion (FRL-AFP)

Grants for investments in durable agricultural assets of agricultural enterprises in Saarland from ELER and GAK funds. Up to 40% subsidy (max. €249,000), young farmers and cooperatives up to 50% (max. €269,000). Applications possible annually until January 1 before the start of measures.

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Grant criteria

Application level: Advanced
Region: Saarland
Company size: SME
Funding amount: Up to €249,000 per application
Funding rate: 20% - 90%

Funding objective

Support for agricultural investments in durable goods for the production, processing, and direct marketing of Annex I products. The goal is to improve production, animal welfare, environmental and climate protection performance, as well as competitiveness and value creation in rural areas.

Eligible expenses

  • Construction, acquisition, and modernization of real estate assets
  • Purchase of new machinery and equipment for domestic operations (including software)
  • Purchase of new machinery and equipment for foreign operations
  • General expenses (architectural and engineering services, building permits, consulting, licenses)
  • Investments in irrigation systems with at least 15% water savings
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Non-eligible expenses

  • Acquisition of production rights, company shares or animals
  • Replacement investments
  • Ongoing operating expenses
  • Repayment of liabilities and inheritance settlements
  • Non-cash own contributions and value-added tax
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Eligible to apply

  • Companies

Funding requirements

  • SMEs according to the EU definition
  • more than 25% of turnover from land use or land-based animal husbandry
  • minimum size according to ALG reached or operation with church/non-profit purposes
  • average positive income of the last three tax assessments not exceeded
  • proof of professional skills and preliminary bookkeeping
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Documents required for application

  1. Investment concept
  2. Financing plan
  3. Cost estimates and offers
  4. Proof of prosperity threshold (tax assessments)
  5. Proof of fulfilled special requirements
  6. Official application form
  7. Documents on selection criteria

Evaluation criteria

  • Participation in agri-environmental measures
  • Positive equity development
  • Improvement of regional value creation
  • Proof of professional further training
  • Young farmer under 40 years

Description

In Saarland, a state co-financed investment program supports agricultural enterprises in the acquisition, modernization, and expansion of durable assets. The goal is to strengthen competitiveness, value creation, and environmental as well as climate protection performance in agriculture. Funding is provided particularly for construction measures, the purchase of new machinery and equipment (both indoor and outdoor), relevant software, as well as construction-related services such as architectural and engineering fees, consulting, and licenses. Investments in irrigation systems are also eligible for funding if a demonstrable water savings potential of at least 15% is proven. For all individual measures, a grant rate of up to 40% of eligible expenses is granted; young farmers and cooperative projects can receive up to 50% (max. €269,000). The maximum funding amount per application is €249,000.

Eligible for funding are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) according to the EU definition, whose operational focus lies at least 25% in land use or land-based animal husbandry and who do not exceed the prosperity threshold evidenced by the average of the last three tax assessments. Prerequisites include proof of professional qualification, proper advance bookkeeping, and compliance with all EU, state, and GAK regulations. Applications can be submitted annually by January 1st before the start of measures to the responsible ministry. A multi-stage points system evaluates, among other things, improvements in regional value creation, participation in agri-environmental measures, and investments in animal, environmental, or climate protection. A convincing investment and financing concept as well as detailed cost estimates must be included in a complete application package.

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