Following a period in which several energy efficiency programs have ended or run out of funds, a concrete opportunity has emerged for the agricultural sector. Notice 02/2026 from the Environmental Fund, administered by IFAP, offers specialized support with a budget of 15 million euros.
What is Notice 02/2026?
It is a call for proposals funded by the Environmental Fund, aimed at supporting the installation of equipment and infrastructure that reduces energy consumption and emissions on farms, including the production and storage of renewable energy.
Who is it intended for?
Three categories of beneficiaries are eligible:
- Irrigators’ associations recognized under Regulatory Decree No. 84/82
- Milk producers with a registered REAP under an intensive regime
- Agricultural and livestock producers with active commitments in 2025 under the "Efficient Water Use" Intervention
Budget Allocation
The allocation of 15 million euros is divided as follows:
- €7.5 million for irrigation associations
- €3.75 million for dairy farmers
- €3.75 million for agricultural and livestock producers
Eligible investment ranges from €10,000 to €250,000 per application, with funding covering up to 80% of the reference amounts defined in the notice. The maximum support limits are €50,000 for individual producers and €300,000 for irrigation associations.
Eligible Expenses
The following categories qualify for funding:
- Energy efficiency audit and certification
- Installation of photovoltaic panels
- Air conditioning systems
- Supplementary solar heating
- Installation of energy-efficient windows
- Lighting
- Thermal insulation
- Capacitor banks
- Variable speed drives
Changes in the Reissue
The notice was republished with three major changes to the funding rules:
- Change in the reference unit for photovoltaic panels
- Separation of financing for storage batteries — they are no longer eligible for combined financing with panels
- Correction of the unit of measurement for batteries
By separating storage from production, the government recognizes that, on a farm, the challenge is both to generate energy and to use it at the right time.
How to Apply?
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a deadline of June 30, 2026. The process is paperless, via the IFAP portal, and applications are accepted in chronological order until funds are exhausted.
Please note: the call for proposals may close before the deadline if the budget is exhausted. Prepare your application in advance.
Relevance to Northern Portugal
Northern Portugal, particularly the Entre-Douro-e-Minho region, accounts for a large portion of the country’s milk production. These farms have continuous and high electricity consumption for milking, cooling tanks, and irrigation pumping. The implementation of photovoltaic systems with storage consistently reduces the amount of electricity purchased from the grid, with an accelerated return on investment when part of the investment receives non-repayable funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to apply? Irrigation associations, intensive dairy farmers, and agricultural producers committed to water efficiency.
- What is the support rate? A grant of up to 80% of the reference values defined in the notice.
- What are the minimum and maximum investment amounts? Minimum €10,000, maximum €250,000 per application.
- What is eligible for funding? Solar energy, air conditioning, heating, lighting, insulation, and energy audits.
- What is the deadline? Until June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
Note: The information contained in this article is for guidance only. Always consult the official legislation and the IFAP and Environmental Fund websites to confirm details.
