As a farmer you're entitled to several forms of support - but to receive them you need to apply on time. The SAM application opens in February and closes on 30 April. Miss it and you miss the aid for the whole year.
What is the SAM application?
The SAM application is the single joint application through which you apply for most of the EU-based agricultural aid. You submit it once a year via Jordbruksverket's online service SAM Internet.
Application period 2026: 3 February - 30 April. Late submissions incur a 1% reduction per working day on the aid amount.
Basic Payment - the foundation aid
The Basic Payment (gårdsstöd) is the most important aid for most farmers. It is based on the number of eligible hectares you cultivate.
To receive the Basic Payment you need to cultivate at least 1 hectare of eligible agricultural land, meet the cross-compliance requirements (environment, animal welfare, public health) and keep the land in good agricultural condition.
The amount per hectare varies from year to year but typically lands between SEK 1,200 and 1,800 per hectare for arable land.
Aid that many farmers miss
Beyond the Basic Payment there is aid that many farmers don't apply for - money they're entitled to but that disappears if they don't actively claim it.
Young farmer aid: Are you under 41 and a new farmer? You can receive a top-up of up to 25% of your Basic Payment. The aid applies during the first five years.
Cattle and sheep aid: Animal payments for cattle and ewes. Amounts vary but can reach SEK 300-500 per animal and year.
Organic production aid: KRAV-certified and EU-organic farms receive extra aid per hectare - typically SEK 1,000-3,000 depending on crop type.
Environmental payments: Payments for measures that benefit biodiversity, water and climate. Grasslands, buffer zones and ley cultivation yield extra payments on top of the Basic Payment.
Investment aid for agriculture
On top of the ongoing payments there is investment aid for farmers who want to expand or modernise the operation.
You can apply for aid towards:
- New builds or renovation of animal housing
- Energy efficiency investments
- Purchase of machinery and equipment
- Water facilities and irrigation systems
The aid covers up to 40% of approved investment costs. Jordbruksverket and Länsstyrelsen administer these applications.
Länsstyrelsen - your local contact point
The Länsstyrelsen (County Administrative Board) in your county handles a large share of the agricultural aid in practice. They check your details, handle cross-compliance cases and can answer questions about your specific situation.
Contact your Länsstyrelsen well ahead of the application deadline if you're unsure whether you meet the requirements.
Unsure whether you're applying for every form of aid you're entitled to? Get in touch - the analysis is free and you pay nothing until the funds are approved.