Support for small farms and renewable energy sources

Until November, farmers can apply for financial aid under the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027. This time, support will cover the development of small farms as well as investments in renewable energy sources and improvements in energy efficiency. Here’s when and how you can apply.

Development of small farms – open call

On October 1 this year, the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR) launched the application process for intervention I.10.5 – Development of Small Farms. Within just seven days, over 700 applications had already been submitted, showing great interest in the program.

The aid is addressed to both traditional and organic farmers, as well as to those starting activities within the so-called short supply chain — including retail sales, direct sales, or direct deliveries. Payments will be made in the form of a lump sum of PLN 100,000–120,000.

Farmers eligible for support are those whose farms:
• have a maximum area of 300 ha;
• had an economic size of less than EUR 25,000 in the base year;
• have generated at least PLN 5,000 in revenue over the past 12 months from the sale of products produced on the farm.

The support will be granted for restructuring activities in the areas of agricultural production and preparation of agricultural products for sale. Planned operations should increase the gross sales value of agricultural products by at least 30% compared to baseline income, reaching a minimum of PLN 43,200. ARiMR experts note that funding may include, for example, construction investments, as well as the purchase of equipment, machinery, or tools that increase the farm’s market orientation.

Applications must be submitted by November 28 this year via the ARiMR e-Portal (PUE ARiMR). Detailed information, including forms and required attachments, can be on ARiMR website.

Support for investments in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency improvement

In just two weeks, ARiMR plans to open another recruitment round, this time covering farms regardless of size. The main eligibility criterion for this aid is having received the basic payment under direct subsidies in the previous year.

Farmers may receive support if they plan to:
• build a new biogas plant;
• purchase a PV micro-installation with an electricity storage system and a connected heat pump;
• purchase an installation for generating heat from solar energy, together with an energy storage system;
• insulate external walls, roofs, ceilings, or floors in farm buildings;
• purchase windows, roof skylights, doors, or gates;
• purchase biomass boilers (excluding straw-burning boilers);
• purchase heat recovery systems;
• purchase energy-efficient LED lighting systems, as well as energy monitoring and management systems.

The aid will be provided in the form of a reimbursement of up to 65% of eligible investment costs, with the option of receiving a 50% advance payment. For biogas plant construction, the maximum support is PLN 1.5 million, while for other types of investments it can reach up to PLN 200,000. Different types of actions can be combined.

Applications must also be submitted exclusively via the ARiMR e-Portal (PUE ARiMR) between October 21 and November 19 this year.