Pro-environmental support for farmers – application period open until November 20

On October 23, the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARiMR) began accepting applications for funding investments that contribute to environmental and climate protection in the agricultural sector. The total support available for farmers amounts to PLN 942.97 million, sourced from the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023-2027. A new feature of the program is the inclusion of group initiatives among eligible beneficiaries.

Environmental efforts, including collaboration

Intervention I.10.4, “Investments contributing to environmental and climate protection,” is a new program aimed at farmers (including individuals, legal entities, organizational units without legal personality, and civil partnership members) as well as groups of farmers. This latter option opens the door for three or more farmers to jointly participate financially in a single investment. The intervention aims to reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the environment and climate, while adapting better to ongoing climate change. Support for farmers will include actions to reduce pesticide use, improve fertilizer efficiency, reduce pollution emissions, improve water management, enhance soil biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration, and mitigate the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector.

Where will the support for farmers go?

The aid provided under I.10.4 CAP Strategic Plan covers actions planned for implementation within 24 months from the date of signing the contract and must not have started before the application submission. The assistance may take the form of a flat-rate payment or a reimbursement of eligible costs (up to 65% or 80% for groups of farmers). The maximum support for farmers under this program until 2027 is PLN 200,000.

What actions can be implemented?

Eligible costs include the construction and reconstruction of agricultural production buildings, the purchase of machinery and equipment, as well as the acquisition and installation of technical infrastructure. Farmer groups may only apply for funding for machinery purchases or non-material investments, such as purchasing licenses. Submitted applications will be evaluated based on their compliance with CAP Strategic Plan guidelines. Additional points will be awarded for larger-scale horticulture or livestock farming, the use of digital solutions, and collaboration within farmer groups. Farms located in Natura 2000 areas also have higher chances of receiving support.

Examples of investments eligible under intervention I.10.4 include:

• purchasing machinery for low-emission fertilizer application,
• purchasing or installing air purification systems for farm buildings,
• building water recirculation systems,
• implementing rainwater management systems,
• purchasing machines for no-till soil cultivation,
• installing anti-hail nets,
• implementing decision support systems based on meteorological data.

Support for farmers aims to promote the use of renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the sustainable use of natural resources, especially water, soil, and air. The program also aims to strengthen natural ecosystems, protect habitats, and preserve landscapes.

How to submit an application

Detailed information on legal requirements related to beneficiaries (including rules for group support) and activities covered by the program can be found on the ARiMR website. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Electronic Services Platform by November 20, 2024. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate attachments, which should also be submitted electronically via PUE.