RP Darmstadt hands over first funding approval under the new Hessian orchard guidelines – 100 applications already received
The Darmstadt Regional Council has approved its first grant under the new Hessian guidelines for traditional orchards. Regional President Prof. Dr. Jan Hilligardt presented the grant award of €1,025 to Maximilian Finkler, manager of Finkler GbR. The company will receive the support for pruning work on its traditional orchard trees.
Finkler GbR was the first applicant in the Darmstadt administrative district after the introduction of the new funding guidelines in July 2026. Hohenstein's mayor, Patrick Berghüser, was also present at the handover of the notification.
Already 100 funding applications have been submitted to the Darmstadt Regional Council
According to the regional government, the new funding opportunity is generating interest. The authority has already received 100 applications with a total volume of approximately €270,000.
Most applications concern the planting of new and existing fruit trees, as well as pruning measures for the maintenance of existing trees. The regional council expects further applications by the end of the year, particularly in connection with the fruit harvest.
In addition to planting and maintenance, the state of Hesse also supports the establishment of orchard collection points at Hessian cider mills and the harvesting of the fruit.
Preserve orchards as a habitat
With this new directive, the state of Hesse aims to promote the preservation, maintenance, and development of its traditional orchards. These traditionally managed meadows with their tall fruit trees are an important part of Hesse's cultural landscape and provide habitat for numerous animal and plant species.
“Orchards are a defining feature of our cultural landscape and at the same time valuable habitats for a multitude of animals and plants,” explained District President Jan Hilligardt. Their preservation and maintenance are therefore of great importance.
Maximilian Finkler also welcomed the new funding program. Given the tight budget situation, the financial support is an important sign of appreciation for ecologically valuable agricultural land.
Up to one million euros annually for orchards
According to the state of Hesse, up to one million euros are available annually for this funding. Approximately half of these funds are earmarked for the Darmstadt administrative district.
The orchard directive is initially valid until December 31, 2031. It is intended to help preserve existing orchards in the long term and to establish new ones.
The directive was presented in July 2026 by Hesse's Minister of Agriculture, Ingmar Jung. The approval for Finkler GbR is among the first funding decisions made under the new regulations in Hesse.
Information on subsidies for traditional orchards
Anyone wishing to maintain orchards, plant new trees or implement other eligible measures can find information on funding opportunities and applicable requirements on the website of the state of Hesse.
The most important information
- Funding program: Orchard guideline of the state of Hesse
- Objective: Preservation, maintenance and development of traditional orchards
- Eligible measures include: planting, tree care, fruit harvesting and the establishment of orchard collection points
- Funding: Up to one million euros annually nationwide
- Share for the Darmstadt administrative district: Approximately 500,000 euros annually
- Duration: Initially until December 31, 2031
- The responsible approval authority in southern Hesse is the Darmstadt Regional Council
- Further information: Hesse State Guidelines for Orchards
(DARMSTADT – RED/RPDA)
Featured image: From left: Maximilian Wöhnl, Gabriele Fillbrandt, Regional President Prof. Dr. Jan Hilligardt (all from Darmstadt Regional Council), Maximilian Finkler (recipient of the notification), Hohenstein Mayor Patrick Berghüser, and Hans-Jürgen Finkler. In the background, a 40-year-old service tree (Sorbus domestica) can be seen. Photo: Darmstadt Regional Council
