Funding for Straw-Based Animal Husbandry Systems

Open

Who is Funded: Target Groups and Geographical Reach

This funding program targets farmers with their operational headquarters in North Rhine-Westphalia who wish to improve animal welfare in their agricultural businesses by converting to straw-based housing for cattle and pigs. The program aims to optimize housing conditions in dairy cattle, suckler cow, other cattle, fattening bull, pig breeding, other pig, and piglet rearing farms.

What is Funded: Measures for Straw Housing

The program supports specific housing systems that improve animal welfare for cattle and pigs through straw housing. Eligible for funding are the conversion or maintenance of certain stable concepts and housing types that aim for a more animal-friendly environment.

Type and Scope of Funding: Grants for Animal Welfare Measures

The funding program provides annual grants, the amount of which is determined by the type of animal and the livestock unit (LU). It is a flat-rate financing per animal per year, with a defined de minimis threshold.

Funding Conditions and Requirements

To receive funding, applicants must meet certain legal and operational requirements and adhere to specified obligations. These include training, compliance with housing standards, and cooperation during inspections and evaluations. Violations can lead to significant reductions or exclusion from funding.

Application Procedure: Deadlines and Responsibilities

The application for funding must be submitted to the Chamber of Agriculture North Rhine-Westphalia in due time. The procedure is clearly structured, and approval is granted at discretion within the framework of available budgetary funds.

Legal Basis of Funding

The funding program is based on specific guidelines from the Ministry for Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and is embedded in a comprehensive network of European and national agricultural and animal welfare laws.