BMEL Innovation Promotion (Framework Programme)
The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) promotes application-oriented research and development projects for innovations in the German agricultural and food industry. The goal is to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and consumer protection through grants for projects that develop or significantly improve new products, processes, or services. The program is limited until June 30, 2030, and has an annual budget of approximately 54 million Euros.
Who is funded?
This funding programme targets companies and research institutions with a branch in Germany that wish to implement innovative research and development projects in the agricultural and food industry. The aim is to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and consumer protection in these sectors.
What is funded?
The program supports application-oriented research and development projects in various innovation fields of the agricultural and food industry. This includes technical and non-technical developments that increase the maturity level of innovations, enhance innovation capacity, analyze societal framework conditions, and improve knowledge transfer. Eligible costs are project-specific and include personnel, instruments, overheads, and contract research.
Type and Extent of Funding
BMEL innovation funding is granted in the form of non-repayable grants. The amount of funding depends on the type of project and the size of the company, with up to 100% of eligible costs possible in certain cases. Projects are usually approved for a duration of up to three years.
Conditions and Requirements
Specific legal and administrative requirements apply to BMEL innovation funding. These include, among others, ensuring overall financing, excluding double funding, and complying with European state aid regulations. Certain budget items are excluded from funding, and applicants must have completed the application process before the project begins.
Application Procedure
The application procedure involves submitting project outlines to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). Projects are typically selected through a competitive process. There are topic-specific calls for proposals and an initiative submission option for application-oriented projects within the framework of the German Innovation Partnership Agriculture (DIP).
Legal Basis
BMEL innovation funding is based on the "Innovation Promotion Programme" and is regulated by specific EU regulations and national administrative provisions. These establish the framework conditions for granting aid and ensure compatibility with the internal market.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
up to 100% of eligible costs
Allocated Budget:
approx. 54 million Euros annually
Deadline:
15.08.2025
Open Until:
30.06.2030
Award Channel:
Competitive Tender
Region:
Germany
Sectors:
Agriculture and Agribusiness, Food Processing, Information and Communication Technology, Environmental and Climate Protection, Research and Development, Other
Beneficiaries:
Agricultural and food industry, crop production, livestock farming, technology and environmentally sound land management, food and nutrition, health-related consumer protection
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Applied Research, Experimental Development, Feasibility Study, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development
Funding Provider
Program Level:
National
Funding Body:
Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL)
Managed By:
Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE)