Agricultural Bonus: 500 Euros per Hectare Without Limits – Here’s Who Qualifies

Bee-Friendly Agriculture Bonus: Preserving Biodiversity and Boosting Farm Income

Did you know that there’s a €500 agriculture bonus available for those who facilitate the settlement of bees with plant species that attract pollinating insects? This bonus is easy to obtain and has no limits regarding the extension of agricultural lands.
Farmers can also combine this incentive with other aids, making it even more appealing.

The Importance of Bees in Agriculture

Bees play a crucial role as pollinators, helping to preserve biodiversity.
However, factors such as pesticide use and climate change have led to a drastic decline in bee populations in recent years.
To address this issue, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has introduced special measures to support bee-friendly agricultural practices, including a €500 annual contribution for farmers who dedicate a portion of their arable land to melliferous and polliniferous species.

Obtaining the €500 Agriculture Bonus

Within the CAP, this measure is part of eco-scheme 5, titled “Specific Measures for Pollinators.” By cultivating plant species that attract bees, farmers not only support biodiversity but also promote sustainable use of agrochemicals and water resources.

Some of the plant species that can attract bees include Ambretta, Asphodel, and Fumitory, among others.
These species should be grown as a mixture to create a diverse environment for pollinators.

Increased Bonus Amounts for Agricultural Sustainability

In addition to the direct payments from the CAP, farmers who allocate a share of their arable land to bee-friendly plant species receive an extra €500 per year for arable land and €250 per year for tree crops.
These amounts are even higher (increased by 20%) for farms located in Natura 2000 areas or Zones Vulnerable to Agricultural Nitrates.

For less productive areas where generating income is challenging, this bonus can provide a significant financial boost with minimal effort.

Requirements for Receiving the Bee-Friendly Plant Bonus

In terms of economic commitment, cultivating bee-friendly plant species is not demanding, as these species are resilient and require minimal care.
Farmers must refrain from using pesticides and herbicides until the flowering period ends, as these chemicals can harm bees.
Maintaining plant cover on at least 70% of the committed area is also mandatory.

There are no limits on the maximum land area eligible for the bonus, but there are minimum requirements, such as dedicating at least 0.25 contiguous hectares with specific width and proximity conditions.

Additional Support for the Apiculture Sector

In addition to CAP incentives, there are local programs that provide further support to beekeepers, including training courses, technical assistance, and assistance in acquiring bee colonies and related equipment.
These additional initiatives aim to enhance beekeeping practices and promote market value.

By leveraging both EU and local aid programs, farmers can not only benefit from financial support but also generate income through honey production and beekeeping activities.

How to Apply for the €500 Agriculture Bonus

To secure the €500 bonus for cultivating bee-friendly plant species, farmers must submit their applications annually by May 15th.
The CAP contributions are managed by Agea (the Agency for Agricultural Payments), and applications can be processed through Agea offices or Agricultural Assistance Centers (CAA).

Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to bee preservation while boosting your farm income with the lucrative bee-friendly agriculture bonus.