Stand: 25.03.2026

Guide: Grants for Beekeeping & Apiculture 2026

Many federal states support beekeepers with attractive funding schemes, ranging from the Bavarian Beekeeping Scheme to the Baden-Württemberg Beekeeping Scheme.

With the right grants, you can buy essential beekeeping equipment at a lower cost from Bee Hives and Honey Extractors to Nucleus Hives. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional beekeeper, the right beekeeping support can help you reduce your costs and build up your beekeeping business in the long term.

This guide provides a concise overview of common funding schemes, eligible beekeeping equipment and the key points of contact in Germany and Austria.

Table of Contents: Beekeeping Funding

1. 1. Which purchases are eligible for funding in beekeeping?
2. 2. Who is eligible for beekeeping grants?
3. 3. Funding schemes in Germany – Responsible authorities
4. 4. Grants for beekeepers in Austria
5. 5. Holtermann's tips on beekeeping support schemes
6. 6. FAQ - Frequently asked questions about beekeeping grants
7. 7. Conclusion on support for beekeepers

1. What can I receive funding for?

The exact funding available depends on the specific federal state, but many programmes follow similar principles and support the following areas:

2. Who is eligible for funding?

Funding schemes are aimed at various target groups:

New beekeepers / Beginners

Many German states offer special introductory schemes that allow you to get your first kit at a lower price.

Amateur beekeepers / Long-term beekeepers

Existing beekeeping businesses can also apply for grants, for example for modernisation, expansion or improvements to honey processing.

Commercial beekeepers

For larger businesses, there are often more substantial grants available to support investment in professional equipment.

Beekeepers' associations and societies

Group grants are ideal for educational apiaries, school projects or community work within a club.

3. Funding schemes in Germany – Responsible authorities

Each federal state administers its own beekeeping support schemes. You can find the latest guidelines, application forms and deadlines via the agricultural offices and state authorities:

Beekeeping grants in northern Germany

• Bremen and Lower Saxony – Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture
  www.agrarfoerderung-niedersachsen.de
• Hamburg – Department for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture
  www.hamburg.de
• Schleswig-Holstein – Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Areas, Europe and Consumer Protection
  www.schleswig-holstein.de
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
  www.lallf.de

Beekeeping grants in southern Germany

• Bavaria – Bavarian State Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism
  www.stmelf.bayern.de
• Baden-Württemberg – Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection
  www.foerderung.landwirtschaft-bw.de

Beekeeping grants in eastern Germany

• Brandenburg – State Office for Rural Development
  www.brandenburg.de
• Saxony – Saxon State Ministry for the Environment and Agriculture
  www.sachsen.de
• Saxony-Anhalt – Ministry of Economy, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry
  www.sachsen-anhalt.de
• Thuringia – State Office for Agriculture and Rural Affairs
  www.tlllr.thueringen.de

Beekeeping grants in western Germany

• North Rhine-Westphalia – Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
  www.mlv.nrw.de
• Hesse – Giessen Regional Council
  www.rp-giessen.hessen.de
• Rhineland-Palatinate – Supervisory and Services Directorate
  www.add.rlp.de
• Saarland – Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection
  www.saarland.de

The content varies from region to region – so it is worth checking the guidelines every year.

4. Grants for beekeepers in Austria

There are also attractive grants available for beekeeping in Austria. The eligibility criteria differ in some respects significantly from those in Germany.

You can find detailed guidance on applying for grants at Biene Österreich, which regularly provides information on eligible beekeeping equipment and investment schemes.

Here you can find the Austrian beekeeper support scheme » .

5. Holtermann’s practical tips on beekeeping support schemes

Here are some useful tips for beekeepers regarding the support schemes and what you need to bear in mind:

• Collect your bills in good time: Keep an eye on funding deadlines – make sure you note the annual deadlines set by your regional authority. Funding deadlines often change, and late applications will not be considered.
• Check what is eligible for funding before making a purchase: Before making a purchase, check whether the device you want is actually eligible for funding. Some schemes have specific requirements regarding brands, prices or specifications.
• Reserve the products first, then submit your application: Many funding schemes only accept purchases made after the application has been submitted. Make sure you secure the products in good time or check the deadlines before you place your order.
• Please note the funding deadlines: Deadlines often change, and late applications will not be considered.
• Please note the minimum service life: Many programmes require that hives or beekeeping equipment remain in use for several years.
• Combine funding schemes: Sometimes it is possible to combine several schemes – such as regional funding and further training.
• Take suitable photos for the documentation: After making your purchase, take photos of the equipment and how it is being used. Some funding bodies require proof or before-and-after photos.

6. FAQ - Frequently asked questions about beekeeping grants

7. Conclusion on support for beekeepers

Funding schemes offer you an excellent opportunity to set up, expand or modernise your beekeeping business. With the right beekeeping grants, you can make key investments more affordably – from buying new beehives to purchasing professional honey processing equipment.

Check regularly for funding opportunities in your region so you don’t miss out. Would you like to know which beekeeping products are currently eligible for funding, or are you looking for the right equipment for your application? Then browse our range now and discover:
eligible Beekeepers Starter kits, Wooden Hives / Styrofoam & EPP Hives, Honey Extractors and much more.