Up to CZK 60 Million per Project: Autumn Subsidies to Strongly Support Food Industry Investments

In mid-October, the 8th round of application intake for farmer and forester calls will open. This time, approximately CZK 2.4 billion will be distributed among successful applicants, channeled primarily into investments in food processing enterprises, the establishment of young farmers, and forestry—specifically the restoration of calamity-damaged areas, the protection of soil-improving and stabilizing tree species, and the conversion of substitute tree stands. The application intake period will run from October 13, 2026, to November 3, 2026.

Compared to previous calls, the 8th round introduces several significant changes. The biggest updates concern investments in agricultural product processing, where the maximum subsidy per project is increased to up to CZK 60 million, the program is divided into four separate objectives, and preferential criteria are adjusted in favor of certain strategic project types. Changes also affect support for young farmers, who will face stricter conditions for obtaining and retaining support. Conversely, forestry interventions remain largely unchanged.

"From the applicants' perspective, the most important aspects will not only be the increase in the maximum subsidy to CZK 60 million, but above all the changes in the project evaluation system. The newly established preferential criteria can significantly influence the chances of securing support. Certain types of projects—such as those in fruit and vegetable processing, organic food production, or protein crop processing—gain a more advantageous position compared to previous rounds." emphasizes Martin Kalous, an expert on agricultural subsidy support.

34.73 – Investments in Agricultural Product Processing

This intervention focuses on increasing production efficiency and the overall competitiveness of enterprises in the field of agricultural product processing. Support will be provided for investments in equipment related to the processing of agricultural products and the placing of products on the market, enabling processors to utilize modern technologies, contribute to the development of local markets, and shorten supply chains. Specifically, subsidy support should target equipment for food and feed production, final processing, packaging and labeling of products, storage, and investments related to the marketing of products, including the construction and reconstruction of buildings and store equipment.

Eligible Applicants: Agricultural entrepreneur, food manufacturer, feed manufacturer...
Allocation: CZK 1,843,821,547
Aid Intensity: Up to 50%
Aid Amount: Max. CZK 60 million
Territorial Implementation: Czechia excluding the Capital City of Prague
[Learn more about the call]

38.73 – Investments in the Restoration of Calamity-Damaged Areas

Support under this intervention focuses on the restoration of forest stands following abiotic calamities caused by climatic and other influences, as well as selected harmful biotic agents. Financial support can be used for clearing calamity-damaged forest stands up to 40 years of age intended for reconstruction, preparing sites after calamity logging prior to reforestation, artificial restoration via planting and seeding on calamity logging sites, and the protection of established forest stands.

Eligible Applicants: Owner, lessee, tenant, and borrower of forest land
Allocation: CZK 126,321,152
Aid Intensity: 100%
Aid Amount: Max. CZK 40 million
Territorial Implementation: Czechia excluding the Capital City of Prague
[Learn more about the call]

39.73 – Investments in the Protection of Soil-Improving and Stabilizing Tree Species

Support focuses on collective protection for soil-improving and stabilizing tree species (deer-fencing enclosures). The measure should contribute to ensuring the fulfillment of non-production and societal functions of the forest and higher stability of forest stands through the protection of newly planted soil-improving and stabilizing species. Eligible expenses include reimbursement of costs for the acquisition and installation of fencing. Projects may also include facilities allowing entry into the enclosure. When constructing wire fencing in grouse-protection areas, highlighting the fence is also an eligible expense.

Eligible Applicants: Owner, lessee, tenant, and borrower of forest stands
Allocation: CZK 29,227,796
Aid Intensity: 100%
Aid Amount: Max. CZK 1 million
Territorial Implementation: Czechia excluding the Capital City of Prague
[Learn more about the call]

49.75 – Establishment of Young Farmers

The aim of the intervention is to assist with generational renewal in agriculture—attracting and retaining young farmers in the sector and facilitating their business beginnings through a grant for implementing a business plan to launch operations. The subsidy can be used for investment and operating expenses related to agricultural production. This may include material and overhead expenses, wage expenses, and expenses for purchased goods, or other investment and operational expenses necessary for the development of the agricultural enterprise.

Eligible Applicants: Young starting farmer
Allocation: CZK 282,908,126
Aid Amount: CZK 1.5 million; up to CZK 2.03 million when processing own production under specified conditions.
Territorial Implementation: Czechia excluding the Capital City of Prague
[Learn more about the call]

Have you found any of the presented subsidy schemes for foresters and farmers of interest and would like help preparing your project application? Did you not find a suitable call for your investment intent in the selection? We will gladly point you in the right direction and handle all the administration necessary to secure subsidy funds.

This text was translated by AI.