Salzburg offers farmers drought insurance subsidies

Salzburg will provide six million euros over the next two years to encourage farmers to insure against future drought damage, ORF reported. The subsidies are intended to cover 75 percent of the relevant insurance amount, according to Agriculture Councillor Maximilian Aigner.

Farmers can receive compensation for crop losses only if they are insured, Aigner said. He added that the federal government and the states agreed on the need to show farmers the financial benefits of insurance.

The state will also extend and expand investment support for water supplies on alpine pastures through the end of 2028. From November 1, individual water suppliers will be able to expand supplies on an alpine pasture and apply to the agriculture department for support.

Salzburg is increasing its annual budget for flood protection to six million euros, which is expected to enable projects worth a total of 40 million euros. Aigner said further investment would be needed in the coming years and decades.

The Salzburg Chamber of Agriculture will receive six million euros a year from the state budget for statutory services it performs on the state’s behalf. A special allocation for 2025 and 2026 is being incorporated into its regular funding.