Hessian Agri-environmental and Landscape Management Programme (HALM)

The HALM2 guidelines serve to promote particularly sustainable land management in Hesse. They are intended to contribute to the fulfilment of the objectives of the state, the federal government and the European Union with regard to biodiversity, water, soil and climate protection and the preservation of the cultural landscape in accordance with the legal provisions listed in Annex 1.

The following funding procedures are offered to achieve these goals:

A.1/A.2 Promotion of cooperation
Funding is provided for the development, implementation and monitoring of concepts.

B.1 Organic farming
Support is provided for the introduction or maintenance of an organic farming method in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No. 2018/848. The support relates to the area in Hesse on which the corresponding eligible crops are cultivated.

C.1 Diverse crops in arable farming
The cultivation of at least five different main crop types per year (basic obligation) in combination with further development obligations on the farm's entire eligible arable land is subsidised.

C.3.2 Perennial flower strips/areas
Funding is provided for the site-adapted cultivation of arable land in the form of the creation of perennial flower strips/areas.

C.3.3 Erosion control strips
Funding is available for the creation and maintenance of erosion control strips on arable land with eligible crops in certain areas.

C.3.5 Arable weed areas
The annual establishment of new arable weed areas on land with eligible arable crops is subsidised.

C.3.6 Water protection strips

Funding is provided for the creation and maintenance of water protection strips on arable land with eligible crops in certain areas.

D.1 Grassland extensification
Support is provided for the extensive management of certain permanent grassland areas by limiting or eliminating the use of fertilisers.

E.2 Conservation of orchards
Funding is provided for the maintenance (pruning) of extensively used fruit trees and the replanting of standard fruit trees for extensive fruit production.

H.1 Special nature conservation services on grassland
Funding is available for special nature conservation services that are provided in addition to the requirements in funding procedures B.1 or D.1. These can be, for example, later management dates or other management techniques, etc.

H.2 Species and biotope protection in open land
Measures for the conservation and development of biotopes of nature conservation value and the implementation of species support measures are eligible for funding.

 H.2 Better protection of sheep and goat grazing against threats from large carnivores
The aim of this funding is to create greater security against attacks by large carnivores through increased attention and careful monitoring and maintenance of pasture fences and protective measures. Sheep and goats are particularly at risk.

H.3 A Animal-friendly mowing

Animal-friendly mowing is promoted through the use of a knife bar mower (finger bar or double knife technology) when mowing certain permanent grassland areas.