Special Agricultural Program (BaySL)

The Special Agricultural Program (BaySL) primarily targets small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises in Bavaria. The aim is to support investments that promote sustainable, environmentally friendly, animal-friendly, and multifunctional agriculture. Cooperations of agricultural enterprises are also eligible to apply.

The program promotes a variety of smaller investments aimed at animal welfare, environmental protection, and adaptation to specific agricultural challenges. These include structural measures, technical facilities, and specialized machinery, while replacement investments and ongoing operating costs are excluded from funding.

Funding is provided as a grant (project funding) within the framework of co-financing. Funding rates vary depending on the type of investment between 25 and 40 percent of eligible costs, with specific maximum limits for the investment volume. The retention period for funded buildings is 12 years and for technical facilities/machinery 5 years.

The allocation of funding is linked to a series of conditions that concern both personal and operational aspects of the applicants, as well as compliance with specific guidelines. These include qualification proofs, prosperity limits, compliance with EU state aid rules, and certain exclusion criteria for the investment volume. Regulations on multiple funding and the retention of investments also apply.

The application for the Bavarian Special Agricultural Program must be submitted to the competent Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (AELF) or the Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture (LWG) before the start of the project. The decision is based on the guideline valid at the time of application, and the disbursement of funds takes place after checking a payment application and achieving the funding purpose.

The legal basis of the Special Agricultural Program (BaySL) is the guideline of the Bavarian State Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forestry of March 1, 2022. This guideline is based on the Bavarian Budget Code and EU Regulation No 702/2014 and regulates the funding as voluntary services without legal entitlement.