Contact us for more information

I want to be contacted
Knowledge Blog

Support for Agriculture | Up to 85% Non-Refundable Grants | Portugal2030

18 06 2024 PT2030 | Financial Incentives Mariana Mendonça
Support for Agriculture | Up to 85% Non-Refundable Grants | Portugal2030

With the aim of boosting the agricultural and forestry sector in Portugal, the CAP Strategic Plan (PEPAC), included in the Portugal 2030 Community Framework, presents a series of incentives designed to support farmers in the growth of their agricultural holdings. This article aims to clarify the main support available and help agricultural managers find all the necessary information for their project applications.

 

1. What is the CAP?
2. What is PEPAC and what are the opportunities for Farmers?
3. Support for Farmers – Incentives in the Spotlight
3.1. Agricultural Productive Investment - Modernisation
3.2. Agricultural Investment for Improving Environmental Performance
3.3. Young Farmers Premium
3.4. Young Farmers Productive Investment
3.5. Bioeconomy Productive Investment – Modernisation
3.6 Bioeconomy Investment for Improving Environmental Performance
4. Critical Factors for a successful application
5. Frequently Asked Questions

 

// What is the CAP

The agri-food sector is one of the largest economic sectors in the European Union (EU), employing around 10 million farmers and supporting approximately 40 million jobs in food processing, retail, and food services. Agriculture faces various challenges that generate uncertainty, namely climate change and market volatility. Stable income is essential to protect farmers against price fluctuations and poor agricultural seasons. Public support for the sector ensures EU citizens a constant and sustainable supply of food at affordable prices, a healthy environment, and preserved landscapes, in addition to guaranteeing high standards of safety, environment, and animal welfare.

It is based on these premises that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was born. This policy consists of a set of laws adopted by the European Union to establish a unified policy for the agricultural sector in EU countries. Created in 1962 by the six founding countries of the then European Community, it is the oldest EU policy still in force. It is, therefore, a dynamic policy that has been adapted to the new challenges that European agriculture has faced. Ensuring food security, resistance to World Market fluctuations and price volatility, the prosperity of rural communities, efficient and sustainable management of natural resources, and the contribution to greener agriculture capable of helping to mitigate climate change, are some of the challenges highlighted by the EU.

Objectives of the CAP:

  1. To produce safe, high-quality food at affordable prices for EU citizens;
  2. To ensure a fair standard of living for farmers;
  3. To preserve natural resources and respect the environment;

Strategic pillars of the CAP: 

  • Direct Support and Market Measures
    1. Direct support to farmers, ensuring a financial safety net and encouraging the maintenance of agricultural activities throughout the EU.
    2. Market measures to deal with price volatility and ensure the stability of the agri-food sector.
  • Rural Development
    1. Support for the sustainable development of rural areas, modernisation of agricultural holdings, and promotion of competitiveness and innovation in the sector.

 

// What is PEPAC and what are the opportunities for farmers?

The Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) in Portugal, for the 2023-2027 period, is a national adaptation of the CAP that aims to address the specific needs of the Portuguese agricultural and forestry sector.

In 2022, the agroforestry sector contributed more than 4 billion euros to the national GDP and reached an export volume exceeding 15 billion euros in 2023.

Thus, PEPAC is intended to reinforce the economic and strategic potential of agriculture and forestry in Mainland Portugal, with more than 2.8 billion euros of public support mobilised. The main objectives include:

  • Environmental Sustainability: PEPAC places even greater emphasis on environmental sustainability. It allocates more than 1.1 billion euros for environmental and climate measures, promoting adaptation to climate change, preservation of biodiversity, and sustainability of production methods.
  • Innovation and Digitalisation: PEPAC gives significant focus to innovation, digitalisation, and energy transition, allocating 164 million euros to encourage innovative projects that reinforce the sector's economic and environmental performance.
  • Bioeconomy and Water Efficiency: With more than 1,000 million euros allocated to the agroforestry bioeconomy and irrigation, PEPAC aims to improve the sustainability and water efficiency of agricultural holdings.
  • Support for the Installation of Young Farmers: With 225 million euros allocated, PEPAC is dedicated more intensively to supporting the installation of young farmers, aiming to face the challenges of generational renewal in the sector.
  • Local Development: PEPAC dedicates 150 million euros to implement community-led local development strategies, designed by local action groups, with the aim of boosting the rural economy and creating jobs.

 

// Support for Farmers – Most Relevant Incentives until the end of 2024

Agricultural Productive Investment

Opening in the 3rd quarter

// Agricultural Productive Investment - Modernisation

  • Objective: To reinforce the competitiveness, sustainability, and viability of agricultural holdings through modernisation and the introduction of innovative methods.
  • Beneficiaries: Natural or legal persons, public or private, who are farmers.
  • Eligible Expenses: Construction, improvement of real estate, acquisition of new machinery and equipment, computer software, and related general costs.
  • Maximum Financing Rate: Up to 85%. 

Agricultural Investment for Improving Environmental Performance

Opening in December 2024

// Agricultural Investment for Improving Environmental Performance

  • Objective: To increase the environmental and climatic performance of agricultural holdings, promoting resilience and sustainability.
  • Beneficiaries: Natural or legal persons carrying out agricultural activity.
  • Eligible Expenses: Construction, acquisition or improvement of real estate, new machinery, equipment, software, and investments in energy efficiency and renewable energies.
  • Maximum Financing Rate: Up to 85%. 

Young Farmer Premium

Opening in the 3rd quarter

// Young Farmers Installation Premium

  • Objective: To support the first installation of young farmers, promoting generational renewal and the sustainability of agricultural holdings.
  • Beneficiaries: Young people intending to set up as farmers for the first time.
  • Premium:  Base installation premium, increased by investments in the holding and exclusivity regime.
  • Financing Amount: Up to €30,000 Non-Repayable Grant.

Premium cumulative with support for Young Farmers Productive Investment.

Young Farmers Productive Investment

Opening in the 3rd quarter

// Young Farmers Productive Investment

  • Objective: To improve the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural holdings through increased production, value creation, and innovation, especially for young farmers.
  • Beneficiaries: Young farmers.
  • Eligible Expenses: Construction, acquisition and improvement of real estate, purchase of new machinery and equipment, and computer software.
  • Maximum Financing Rate: Up to 85%. 

Bioeconomy Productive Investment – Modernisation

Opening in the 3rd quarter

// Bioeconomy Productive Investment – Modernisation

  • Objective: To consolidate the agro-industrial and forestry fabric, strengthening value chains and promoting competitiveness through innovation and efficiency.
  • Beneficiaries: Natural or legal persons with activity in the bioeconomy associated with agriculture or forestry.
  • Eligible Expenses: Construction, purchase of new machinery and equipment, energy efficiency, renewable energies, software, diagnoses, audits, marketing plans, and engineering projects.
  • Maximum Financing Rate: Up to 65%

Bioeconomy Investment for Improving Environmental Performance

Opening in the 3rd quarter

// Bioeconomy Investment for Improving Environmental Performance

  • Objective: To foster investments that increase environmental and climatic performance in the bioeconomy, improving sustainability.
  • Beneficiaries: Natural or legal persons with activity in the bioeconomy associated with agriculture or forestry.
  • Eligible Expenses: Construction, purchase of new machinery and equipment, energy efficiency, renewable energies, software, diagnoses, audits, marketing plans, and engineering projects.
  • Maximum Financing Rate: Up to 80%

 

// Critical Factors for a successful application

To maximise success in applying for PT2030 - PEPAC support, it is crucial to count on an experienced and trusted consultancy team. At Yunit Consulting, we offer specialised monitoring throughout the entire application process, from identifying funding opportunities to submitting the application and managing the project.

With vast experience in the sector, Yunit Consulting is a strategic partner for agricultural managers who wish to make the most of the available incentives.

What to expect from Yunit:

  • Framing within existing typologies;
  • Descriptive memorandum of the project (Impact, Priorities, Justification of Investment Intention);
  • Economic and financial feasibility study;
  • Technical, economic, and financial coherence.

Schedule your meeting with one of our consultants now. Minimum investment: €150,000

 

// FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. When do applications for Young Farmers Productive Investment open?

Applications for Young Farmer are expected to open in the 3rd quarter of 2024. However, we advise you to start preparing your application in advance to ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria and have all necessary documentation when applying.

 

2. What is needed to be a Young Farmer?

Young people between 18 and 40 years of age at the date of submission of the application, who are setting up on an agricultural holding for the first time.

 

3. How to apply for the Portugal 2030 - PEPAC Programme?

Applications for farmer support are submitted to the funds counter. However, to apply, Agricultural Managers will have to draw up the application, or consult companies specialising in drawing up applications for Portugal 2030.

For the application, in most cases you will need to:

  • Frame the investment intention within the mandatory requirements of the notice;
  • Descriptive memorandum of the project (Impact, Priorities, Justification of Investment Intention);
  • Economic and financial feasibility study;
  • Technical, economic, and financial coherence.

At Yunit, we have a multidisciplinary team capable of helping you successfully prepare and draw up your application. You can schedule your meeting here. Minimum investment: €150,000

 

 

Yunit Consulting: Together, let's make the Leap

Last update: 19 June 2024

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Keep up to date with news on investment incentives and tax benefits and qualified information for your company's financial management decisions.