Funding Guideline Knowledge Exchange, Innovations, Networks (FRL WIN/2023) – Part B.II.1 Knowledge Exchange and Qualification

This funding program targets various actors in agriculture and forestry in Saxony who wish to improve their professional, entrepreneurial, and personal competencies. It supports providers of training measures, Operational Groups for innovations, and participants in networks and collaborations. The goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and strengthen sustainable practices in Saxony's rural areas.

The funding program supports projects in the areas of knowledge exchange, qualification, European Innovation Partnerships (EIP-Agri), and networks/collaborations within agriculture and forestry. Special focus areas include resource protection, biodiversity, emission avoidance, animal welfare, climate adaptation, and regional marketing. The funding covers the organization and implementation of technical conferences, workshops, seminars, working groups, excursions, and demonstration projects.

The funding program provides grants for project funding. The funding amounts vary depending on the thematic focus between 90 and 100 percent of the total eligible expenses. For EIP-Agri projects, a minimum grant of 5,000 euros applies. For networks and collaborations, the minimum is 5,000 euros per year and project. Support for EIP-Agri is generally limited to three years, while networks and collaborations can be funded for a maximum of seven years.

Applicants must ensure that projects are not already co-financed by other EAFRD funds. Public procurement regulations must be observed, and conflicts of interest must be avoided. For investment projects, a retention period of five years (three years for ICT) must be observed, and the overall financing of the project must be secured. In addition, state aid regulations such as the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation and De Minimis rules must be observed, as well as transparency and visibility measures.

The application procedure takes place within the framework of calls for applications published by the Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment, and Agriculture. The Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture, and Geology (LfULG) is the competent application and approval authority. Applications are evaluated according to defined selection criteria in a scoring system and ranked. Approval takes place within the framework of the respective announced budget.

The basis of this funding program is the "Funding Guideline Knowledge Exchange, Innovations and Networks – FRL WIN/2023" of the Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment, and Agriculture. The program operates within the framework of the applicable CAP Strategic Plan of the Federal Republic of Germany and takes into account the relevant EU provisions for the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).