Funding for low-input crops

An investment of eight million euros is being allocated to develop four low-input crop sectors, including hemp, alfalfa, buckwheat, and clover, by the Seine-Normandie Water Agency.

Definition of low-input agriculture

Low-input (BNI) productions are characterized by a low reliance on phytosanitary products, nitrogen, phosphorus, or water. Their introduction into crop rotations also reduces the inputs required for subsequent crops.

Environmental and economic goals

The objective is to provide farmers with a sustainable economic value for these crops, whose development is particularly interesting for preserving water resources used for drinking water supply. The catchment areas account for approximately one-third of the agricultural area in the Seine-Normandie basin.

Supporting existing agricultural measures

Developing these sectors complements other measures mobilized for farmers in these areas, including agro-environmental and climate measures, payments for environmental services, technical support, or investment assistance.

Eligibility and project requirements

This call is primarily addressed to cooperatives, farmer collectives, associations, industrialists, as well as local authorities and, if applicable, agricultural development organizations. The project must necessarily be linked to one or more catchment areas.

Types of supported activities

The agency can support both the emergence and implementation of these sectors, including feasibility and market studies, technical or resource studies, or investments necessary for transformation, storage, or commercialization.

Examples of supported operations

A hemp processing or drying unit, an alfalfa dehydration plant, or a techno-economic study to size a new sector are among the operations that can be supported. Applicants must contact their local office of the Seine-Normandie Water Agency.

Project selection timeline

Projects will be selected in March 2027.