Fichtelgebirge eco model region: funding for small green projects!

Fichtelgebirge eco model region: funding for small green projects!

Something is happening in the Fichtelgebirge eco-model region! On October 5, 2025, it was announced that the region wanted to apply for funding from the Office for Rural Development (ALE) Upper Franconia for 2026. The funds from the “Eco Projects Framework” are intended to give regional organic agriculture and food industry a strong boost. The aim is to promote small projects that strengthen bio-regional economic cycles and focus on regional products. Particular attention is paid to improving the supply of organic food and the sale of regional organic products. As Wiesentbote reports, funding requests can be submitted until December 31, 2025, and the project must then be implemented by September 20, 2026 at the latest.

The key data sound promising: Funding applications can be submitted for projects with a total net volume of between 1,000 and 20,000 euros. Up to 50% of the net expenses are covered, which corresponds to up to 10,000 euros per project. These funds can be used not only for material costs, but also for services such as the creation of advertising material. The committee that makes the funding decisions will decide based on seven criteria. This includes contributing to regional organic value creation, raising awareness, increasing organically farmed areas and much more. To be eligible, projects must achieve at least seven of the 21 possible points.

Support for innovators in the region

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A look at the projects that have been funded so far shows in which direction you want to go with the funding. From refrigerated trailers for meat marketing to chicken mobiles for expanding existing livestock farms to walnut plantations, there are numerous ideas that have already been successfully implemented. Articles from oekomodellregionen.bayern list some of these impressive initiatives and show that the projects specifically contribute to strengthening the regional organic economy.

However, there are a few requirements for applying: The projects must be located in one of the eight municipalities of the eco-model region. Organic certification is also required and a maximum of ten full-time employees may be employed to be considered a micro-enterprise. The decision on funding is made by a six-member committee who want to ensure that the funds are used sensibly.

The “Eco Projects Framework”, which was launched in 2022, represents important support for regional development. The aim is not only to diversify agriculture, but also to promote local gastronomy and raise awareness of regional organic products. These measures not only promote agriculture, but also the sense of community and identity of the region.

Interested players from the region now have a unique opportunity to submit their projects and, with a little luck, contribute to strengthening the regional organic offering. Further information can be found on the website of the Fichtelgebirge eco-model region.