The animal farm development program continues

By: STA Date: 2024. 07. 12. 11:00

With a total budget of HUF 200 billion, two new calls for tenders have been published to support the development of livestock farms within the framework of the KAP Strategic Plan until 2027, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy announced on his social media page. The government regards improving the competitiveness of livestock farms as a strategic issue.

(Photo: drnagyistvan.hu)

The head of the ministry drew attention to the fact that the “Support for the development of animal farms” call, which supports larger, complex projects, was announced with a budget of HUF 150 billion, while the “Support for the renewal of animal farms” focused on smaller-scale projects was announced with a budget of HUF 50 billion. In the former, those intending to invest can apply for between 200 million and 5 billion forints, and in the latter a maximum of 200 million forints, that is, the two tenders build on each other and complement each other, he added. He explained that, with the help of both published calls, livestock keepers can implement the construction-related development of their farms, the purchase of the necessary machines and tools, and the related energy investments. Special support goals will also appear, such as investments contributing to the reduction of ammonia emissions, but it is also possible to purchase machines and tools related to organic fertilizer application or to implement developments related to the storage of crops, fodder, and litter straw, the minister explained. István Nagy pointed out that the call for small-scale investments aimed at smaller animal farmers enables the stakeholders to purchase only the machinery and equipment necessary for the operation of the farm without construction.

The head of the ministry also mentioned that in the previous support cycle, a total of 3,489 investment projects were supported in the framework of the Rural Development Program for livestock keepers, in the amount of about HUF 491 billion.

The minister highlighted that, thanks to these decisions, Hungarian farmers ensure the supply of high-quality, safe food to the population, as animal husbandry provides raw materials for the processing industry. The subsidies for the development of the sector, together with the previously announced calls for tenders supporting the investments of processing plants, represent a solid development basis for the sector, he added.

The support can be applied for by agricultural producers who meet the eligibility conditions defined in terms of farm size and sales revenue

In relation to developments, the fund’s subsidy intensity is 50%, while at the same time, 70% subsidy intensity is associated with the development of technologies that utilize renewable energy, such as solar panels, and epidemic prevention developments, while investments resulting in the reduction of ammonia emissions can be implemented with 80% subsidy yes. According to István Nagy, based on the content evaluation system defined in the calls for proposals, projects that have proven added value, are financially sound, and in which the investor maintains long-term business relationships with its partners can expect to receive development funding. It will be possible to submit grant applications from September 17, 2024, in the case of calls supporting smaller-scale projects, and from October 15, 2024, in the case of calls supporting complex projects.