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Funding for Energy Efficiency and CO2 Reduction in Agriculture and Horticulture: Part A – Agricultural Production, Knowledge Transfer
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Grant
Last updated: 14.6.2025

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) promotes projects to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions in agriculture and horticulture. Through grants for energy consultations, investments, knowledge transfer, and research & development, the program supports agricultural businesses in optimizing their energy balance and contributing to climate protection.

Who is Funded

The funding program of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) targets agricultural primary production and horticulture businesses in Germany. The goal is to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions to support national climate protection targets. Funding is provided to SMEs, but also to knowledge transfer providers and research institutions.

What is Funded

The funding program supports a variety of measures aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. This includes energy consultations, investments in energy-efficient technologies, knowledge transfer, and research and development. Clear criteria for eligible costs and project phases are in place to ensure that the measures align with the program's objectives.

Type and Scope of Funding

Funding is primarily provided in the form of non-repayable grants, with the amount of funding depending on the type of measure and the eligible expenses. There are specific funding rates and maximum limits for individual measure areas, which vary depending on company size and the nature of the measure.

Conditions and Requirements

Participation in the funding program is tied to specific conditions and requirements, ranging from application submission to project implementation. These include compliance with legal frameworks, handling of de minimis aid, and the earmarking of funded investments to ensure the efficient and proper use of funds.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for the funding program is clearly structured and requires the submission of formal applications to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). There are specific rules for project commencement and the disbursement of approved funds, which require timely and complete documentation of the measures.

The funding program is based on the guideline for the promotion of energy efficiency and CO2 reduction in agriculture and horticulture by the BMEL, which is legitimized by various European and national laws and regulations. These legal bases ensure that the funding is in line with the federal government's climate protection targets and EU state aid rules.

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Funding Overview

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

Up to €2,000,000 per project and applicant for Research & Development.

Deadline

Deadline:

always open

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Demand Driven Scheme

Region

Region:

Germany

Sectors

Sectors:

Agriculture and Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, Research and Development, Service Sector, Environmental and Climate Protection

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Agriculture, Horticulture

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Planning, Implementation, Infrastructure, Awareness Campaigns, Capacity Building, Experimental Development, 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)

Additional Partners: Centre for Business Administration in Horticulture (Zentrum für Betriebswirtschaft im Gartenbau e.V.) (for operational comparison of horticulture businesses)

Website: Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung (BLE)