Conversion of Animal Husbandry 2024 to 2030 – Ongoing Additional Costs

The funding program "Conversion of Animal Husbandry – Ongoing Additional Costs" is aimed at agricultural businesses in Germany that are dedicated to pig farming and meet animal welfare requirements that go beyond statutory minimum standards. The aim is to financially support these businesses and thus contribute to improving the quality of life for pigs in Germany.

The program funds the ongoing additional costs incurred by agricultural businesses in pig farming due to compliance with specific premium requirements for animal housing. This particularly concerns expenses for improved space, feed, bedding, and enrichment material.

The funding program provides non-repayable grants to cover ongoing additional costs incurred by complying with higher animal welfare standards in pig farming. The funding amount varies depending on the number of animals and the level of premium requirements.

Funding is subject to various conditions, including specific requirements for the recognition of businesses, rules on cumulation with other aid, budgetary restrictions, and extensive information and auditing obligations.

The application for funding of ongoing additional costs is a single-stage process submitted to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). The process includes submitting the application by March 31 of the disbursement year and a decision by the BLE within the framework of available funds.

The funding program is based on a specific guideline from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and is regulated by further federal budgetary, administrative, and EU legal provisions. The guideline came into force on April 1, 2024, and requires state aid approval by the European Commission.