New funding opportunities are available for the purchase of professional vehicles and privately owned commercial trucks under Greece’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, with particular emphasis on professional beekeepers and collective farming schemes.

The relevant Joint Ministerial Decision sets out the eligibility criteria and technical requirements for qualifying vehicles, with public funding ranging from 50% to 70%, depending on the beneficiary and the investment.

Eligible investment plans can range from €150,000 to €500,000 for the applicable categories of individuals and legal entities.

Who can receive funding of up to 70%?

The level of financial support depends on the category of beneficiary, the nature of the investment and the area in which the investment is implemented.

The highest funding rates, which can reach 70%, are primarily available in cases involving:

• young farmers,
• investments implemented in the Small Aegean Islands,
• investments in areas covered by Territorial Just Transition Plans.

Final eligibility and the applicable funding rate depend on the specific characteristics of both the beneficiary and the proposed investment plan.

Funding for beekeeping trucks – What does the scheme cover?

Of particular interest to professional beekeepers is the possibility of receiving funding for the purchase of a new privately owned commercial truck designed for transporting beehives.

Under the applicable specifications, an eligible vehicle must be:

• a new open-type commercial truck,,
• between 3.5 and 15 tonnes gross vehicle weight,
• appropriately configured for the loading, unloading and safe transportation of beehives.

The investment may cover either the purchase of a fully configured vehicle or the purchase of a chassis together with the supply and installation of the required bodywork.

Vehicles and any related equipment intended for use on public roads must also comply with the applicable European standards and Greek road traffic requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements for beekeepers?

Professional beekeepers must meet specific production and professional criteria in order to qualify for the funding scheme.

Key requirements include:

• An existing production capacity of at least 200 bee colonies for the investment.
• More than 400 bee colonies for the issuance of a licence for a beekeeping truck of up to 15 tonnes.
• At least five years of experience as a registered beekeeper, or completion of a beekeeping training programme of at least 300 hours combined with at least two years of professional activity.
• Agricultural activity accounting for at least 30% of the beneficiary’s annual working time and at least 35% of their total annual income.
• Registration with e-EFKA and the Register of Farmers and Agricultural Holdings (MAAE).

Where required, these conditions must be met cumulatively. Meeting a single criterion does not automatically establish eligibility for funding.

Investment budgets from €150,000 to €500,000

For the eligible investments of individuals and legal entities, investment budgets may range from €150,000 to €500,000, while the public funding rate can range from 50% to 70%.

The final level of support therefore varies depending on the beneficiary category, the location of the investment and the specific characteristics of the investment plan.

The vehicle must correspond to the capacity of the agricultural holding

Another important requirement is that the choice of vehicle must be justified by the actual production capacity and operational needs of the agricultural holding.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the size and specifications of the vehicle are appropriate for the production capacity of the holding upon completion of the investment plan.

Preparing a successful application therefore involves more than simply meeting the formal eligibility criteria. The necessity and suitability of the proposed investment must also be properly documented.

What should applicants consider before proceeding?

Before making any investment commitment, both the beneficiary’s eligibility and the eligibility of the proposed investment should be carefully assessed.

Particular attention should be given to the vehicle specifications, the production capacity of the agricultural holding, the required professional criteria and the documentation needed to support the application.

Reviewing these factors from the outset can reduce the risk of proceeding with a vehicle or expenditure that ultimately does not meet the funding requirements.

AFS support for farmers and investors

Applying for an investment funding scheme requires an eligibility assessment, appropriate investment planning and the thorough preparation of the application file.

AFS – Athens Financial Services AFS – Athens Financial Services can assess your agricultural holding and proposed investment, determine whether the relevant eligibility requirements are met, and manage the preparation and submission of your application.

If you are planning to invest in a professional agricultural vehicle or a beekeeping truck, complete our contact form and a member of the AFS team will contact you to review your case and discuss the next steps.

Alternatively, you can contact us directly:

📞 210 8317 702
📧 info@afs.gr