Funding for the Diversification of Activities in Agricultural and Agriculture-Related Areas

The program for promoting diversification in agriculture in North Rhine-Westphalia targets farmers and agriculture-related businesses seeking to develop new income sources outside of primary agriculture. It supports sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and commercial ancillary businesses based in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The funding covers a wide range of diversification measures, including expenses for consulting, conceptual design, start-up aid for personnel costs, investments in setup, equipment, and marketing, as well as necessary educational and qualification measures. Excluded are investments in aquaculture and inland fisheries, ongoing operating expenses, and the acquisition of land or used items.

Funding is provided as a grant within the framework of project and co-financing. The amount of the grant varies depending on the type of measure and can amount to up to 80% of eligible expenses. The maximum project duration is limited to three years, with a commitment period of up to 12 years for funded assets.

For funding approval, a coherent overall concept is required, demonstrating the economic viability and sustainability of the project, as well as the securing of total financing. The program is subject to the De-minimis Regulation and excludes cumulation with other public funding programs, with the exception of certain promotional bank funds.

The application for the grant must be submitted to the Chamber of Agriculture North Rhine-Westphalia before the start of the project. Approval is granted at the discretion of the authorities within the framework of available budgetary funds, possibly according to the ministry's priorities.

The funding program is based on the guidelines for promoting the diversification of agricultural activities issued by the Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Agriculture and Consumer Protection NRW. Essential legal frameworks also include the State Budget Code, the EU De-minimis Regulation, and the Law on the Joint Task "Improvement of Agricultural Structure and Coastal Protection" (GAKG).