Protection of water against nitrates – an additional call for applications for investment support has been launched

On February 20, 2024. The Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture, due to increased interest from farmers, has launched an additional call for applications for subsidized investments aimed at protecting waters from nitrates from agricultural sources. Agricultural producers wishing to take advantage of financial assistance called Investments to protect waters from nitrate pollution from agricultural sources, from the Rural Development Program 2014-2020, can expect support of up to 150 thousand. PLN.

This is the next call under RDP 2014-2020 for this type of action, the previous one was held in October/November 2023. The current one is the last call for applications under the 2014-2020 RDP for this type of operation and will run until March 20 this year. To date, more than 275 million zlotys have been disbursed for water protection against nitrates to 3,600. farmers.

Protection of water against nitrates – for whom is the support intended?

Agricultural producers who rear or raise livestock may apply for financial assistance to support investments in the protection of water against nitrates. Support is not available to owners of poultry farms of more than 40,000. Stands and piggeries with more than 2,000. Stands for pigs weighing more than 30 kg or more than 750 stands for sows.

What can you get funding for?

Funding can be used for, among other things. on:

• Construction, reconstruction or purchase of tanks for storing liquid natural fertilizers, slabs for storing solid natural fertilizers, and tanks or slabs for storing silage;
• Purchase of technical installation or equipment for liquid natural fertilizer storage tanks;
• Purchase of new machinery or equipment for the application of natural liquid fertilizers;
• overhead.

Protection of water against nitrates – amount of support

Aid granted for the construction or building of new slabs or tanks for storing natural fertilizer is granted in the form of standard unit rates. For other investments, the aid takes the form of a refund of part of the eligible costs and amounts to 60 percent if for a young farmer, and 50 percent for other beneficiaries. The maximum amount of aid granted to one applicant and per farm may not exceed PLN 150 thousand.

Protection of water from nitrates – obligation to adjust storage sites for natural fertilizers and silage

Financial assistance may be granted for construction and expansion projects that will ensure that farms are brought into compliance with the requirements set forth in the Program of measures to reduce water pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources and prevent further pollution, known as the ” Nitrate Programme“. nitrate program, and which concern storage conditions for manure and silage.

In accordance with the provisions of the nitrate program, entities raising livestock less than or equal to 210 livestock units are required to adjust the area or capacity of their manure storage facilities to the requirements set forth in the Action Program by December 31, 2024. This means that as of January 1, 2025. the requirement for proper storage of natural fertilizers will become mandatory for the above-mentioned entities.

At this point, it is also worth mentioning that for entities that raise livestock in excess of 210 livestock units (LU), the requirement to adjust the area or capacity of their manure storage facilities was set for December 31, 2021. (Currently, only a young farmer will be able to apply for investments in this area, and only within 24 months from the date of commencement of farming as a manager, but no later than June 30, 2025).

How to apply for support for investment to protect water from nitrates?

Applications for support can be submitted until March 20, 2024. In regional branches and district offices of ARMA. They can be delivered in person or by an authorized person, sent by registered mail, posted at a Post Office facility, or through an ePUAP sub-box.

The applications submitted by farmers will be scored. Their sum will determine the order in which aid is awarded. Among other things, the following will be taken into consideration. the number of animals, the share of investment costs to bring the farm into compliance with the requirements of the nitrate program, the storage conditions of the manures produced, and whether the applicant has not previously applied for this type of support. A ranked list of beneficiaries will be published within 50 days of the end of the call for proposals.