Lower Saxony agricultural policy sees subsidy shifts and high eco-scheme participation

Agricultural policy in Lower Saxony is undergoing significant shifts regarding subsidies and environmental practices. The federal program for restructuring animal husbandry is scheduled to end on August 31, 2026. As of July 2026, 619 applications for investment funding have been submitted to the BLE, totaling approximately 1,034.9 million euros, with 202 applications originating from Lower Saxony. Experts note that the cessation of this program, combined with market difficulties and costly construction processes, poses a major challenge for pig farmers.

Simultaneously, there is high engagement with voluntary eco-schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy (GAP). In 2026, 26,657 farms in the region are participating in at least one eco-scheme, covering roughly 635,000 hectares. Key areas of interest include biodiversity measures on permanent grassland and the reduction of chemical-synthetic pesticides. Approximately 54,000 hectares are being managed through the waiver of synthetic pesticides, an increase in area compared to the previous year.