Agricultural grants
Agricultural grants are financial support for farmers and rural businesses to secure food production and promote sustainable farming. The grants are funded by the EU and the Swedish state, and administered by Jordbruksverket and the county administrative boards. If you run a farm, horticultural operation or other rural activity there are several grants you can apply for.
Is your company eligible for agricultural grants?
How do agricultural grants work?
Agricultural grants are financial support given to farmers and rural businesses. The grants are financed by the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and national funds, and administered by Jordbruksverket and the county administrative boards. The aim is to secure food supply, promote sustainable farming and support rural development.
Which types of agricultural grants exist?
- Farm subsidy - basic income support based on farmland kept in good condition. Paid per hectare
- Greening subsidy - compensation for environmentally friendly farming methods that benefit biodiversity and soil health
- Environmental payments - support for specific actions such as organic production, pastureland, wetlands and forage cultivation
- Compensation support - additional support for farmers in areas with natural constraints, for example northern Sweden
- Investment aid - grants for investments in modern and sustainable farm machinery, buildings and facilities
- Start-up aid - aimed at young farmers under 40 starting or taking over a farming business
Who can apply for agricultural grants?
The requirements vary between different grant forms, but the basic criteria are:
- Farmland - you need to cultivate land that meets Jordbruksverket's definition of farmland
- Active farmer - you must conduct active farming operations
- Cross-compliance - you must meet basic requirements on animal husbandry, environmental consideration and food safety
- SAM application - most agricultural grants are applied for via the SAM application (joint application) which opens in February each year
The SAM application, the joint application
The SAM application is the central process for applying for most agricultural grants. The application is submitted digitally via Jordbruksverket's e-service and contains information about your land, your animals and which grants you want to apply for. The application period typically runs from February to mid-April.
It is important that the information is correct and that you meet the deadlines. A late application leads to deductions and a missed application means you cannot receive grants that year.
Investment aid in agriculture
In addition to the annual grants there is investment aid for modernisation and development. These are applied for on a rolling basis and can, for example, fund:
- New construction or renovation of animal barns
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy on the farm
- Irrigation systems and soil improvements
- Food processing and new products
Investment aid normally covers 30-40% of the cost, and the processing time is often 3-6 months.
Our role in your application
We help farmers and rural businesses maximise their grant opportunities. This can mean ensuring the SAM application includes all relevant grants, or formulating an investment aid application. You pay nothing until a grant is approved.