Foderstöd

Foderstöd is a form of agricultural subsidy intended to promote the production of fodder crops and the maintenance of forage resources on farms. The goal is to secure a stable supply of animal feed, support farm incomes, and reduce vulnerability to fluctuations in feed prices.

The support covers fodder crops such as hay, silage grass, clover, alfalfa, and forage maize, as well as permanent pastures and other eligible forage resources. It is commonly implemented within the framework of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and is administered by national or regional authorities. Payments may be per hectare or per unit of fodder production, with rates varying by policy year and region.

Eligibility typically requires that land is used for producing eligible fodder crops or maintaining forage resources, and that farmers comply with environmental protection rules and cross-compliance requirements. Applications are submitted to the competent authority, and land use and production are verified as part of annual reporting.

Impact and considerations: foderstöd can help stabilize farm income and secure domestic feed for livestock, contributing to rural economies and food security. Critics may point to public spending costs and potential distortions in cropping choices or environmental outcomes if the scheme is not designed with adequate safeguards and sustainability measures.

Notes: The design and amount of fodder support have evolved with CAP reforms and national policy adjustments, and may differ between Sweden and other EU member states.