The funding will apply to farmers who are no older than 40, have appropriate professional qualifications (or intend to obtain them within three years), and are starting to run a farm for the first time. The aid will be provided under the Rural Development Programme for 2014–2020. Following the publication of the regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in the “Journal of Laws” (Journal of Laws of 14 July 2015, item 982), the president of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture will be able to announce the start date for accepting applications.

The premiums for young farmers under the new Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 will differ from those under the “old” RDP. The most important change is that support will be granted only to applicants who have already begun setting up a farm or will begin doing so as the person in charge after submitting an application for the premium.

A premium may be sought by a person who has become the owner, holds perpetual usufruct, or leases agricultural land from the resources of the Agricultural Property Agency or a local government unit (JTS). Importantly, the support covers farmers who became owners or lease agricultural land before submitting an application for aid, but no earlier than 12 months before its submission.

Other requirements concern the farm’s economic size (SO), which may not be less than €13,000 or more than €150,000.

Another requirement concerns the minimum area of agricultural land on the farm. It must be at least equal to the national average (10.48 ha), and in provinces with an average lower than the national average, the provincial average (but no more than 300 hectares). At least 70% of the minimum area must be owned by the beneficiary, held under perpetual usufruct, or leased from the agricultural property resources of the Agricultural Property Agency or a local government unit.

The premium of PLN 100,000 will be paid in two instalments:

  • I – 80% – after the beneficiary fulfils specified conditions within 9 months of receiving the decision granting the aid
  • II – 20% – after the business plan has been implemented.

Details on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development/ii