Image: Weihbold
The funds – 60 percent come from the federal government, 40 percent from the states – are intended to increase the ÖPUL agri-environmental program, the promotion of disadvantaged areas (AZ) and the investment promotion from 2024 to 2027 due to inflation.
According to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture, 80 percent of Austrian farmers take part in the ÖPUL environmental program. The premiums in this area are to be increased by 8 percent (151 million euros), and a further 40 million euros are to flow into new measures that are still being developed. The mountain farmer support (AZ) will also be increased by 8 percent (105 million euros).
70 percent of Austrian agricultural land is in disadvantaged areas. Investment support will be increased by 64 million euros. The eligible costs for investments for greater animal welfare, climate protection and climate change adaptation as well as better water management will be increased to 500,000 euros. The corresponding change to the 2024 strategic plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) requires approval by the EU Commission.
“With the 360 million euro stimulus program for agriculture, we are taking inflation into account,” said Totschnig at a joint press conference, according to a broadcast. Carinthia’s LH deputy Martin Gruber (ÖVP) said: “79 percent of Carinthia’s agriculture is dominated by mountain farms, so this has special meaning for us.”
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