Funding for Innovative, Agriculture-Related Start-ups from the Federal Special Fund at Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank (LR)

The program aims to support innovative agriculture-related start-ups in Germany that are in their founding or early-stage financing phase. It targets young companies with high growth potential whose business models offer direct benefits to agriculture, forestry, viticulture, horticulture, fisheries, or aquaculture.

The funding focuses on expenses incurred in connection with the company's establishment or consolidation in the early-stage financing phase of agriculture-related start-ups. This includes a wide range of costs, from operating costs and marketing to investments and technical development.

The funding is provided in the form of a low-interest subordinated loan, supplemented by a grant in the form of an innovation voucher for certain consulting services. The maximum loan amount and the grant portion are clearly defined.

To be eligible for funding, agriculture-related start-ups must meet certain legal and business requirements concerning their company structure and business model. These include criteria regarding company size, age of the company, and innovation capability.

The application process for this funding is multi-stage and begins with contacting Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, followed by submitting a business plan and, if applicable, a personal interview.

The funding guideline is based on the announcement by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and is supplemented by detailed information sheets from Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, which contain important information for applicants.