Slovak Agriculture Ministry launches €221 million support programme for farms and forests

The Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced eight funding calls totalling more than €221 million. The programme, presented by Agriculture Minister Richard Takac, allocates roughly €95 million to three farmer‑focused calls, €54 million to a call for food‑processing companies, and €72 million to four calls for foresters.

Funds for foresters are earmarked for measures such as increasing forest water‑retention, remediation of acidic soils and other forest‑health improvements, including a €25 million component for lime application that has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Takac defended the measures, noting they are approved by the European Commission and aim to enhance forest resilience to climate change while supporting agricultural productivity.

The calls are intended to stimulate investment in productive agriculture, reduce greenhouse‑gas and ammonia emissions, and strengthen the overall quality and sustainability of Slovakia’s rural sector.