Funding for agritourism 2025: how and for what to obtain support and subsidies?

Agritourism in Poland is becoming increasingly popular. Tourists today seek not only tranquility and contact with nature, but also comfort, wellness attractions, and year-round amenities. This leads agritourism owners to increasingly invest in modernization and the introduction of new services – from eco-friendly solutions to additional guest attractions like saunas and hot tubs. The good news? A number of financial support programs will be available in 2025 to facilitate the development of such investments.

Why is it worth applying for funding for agritourism?

Grants and co-financing for agritourism provide real financial support that gives owners the opportunity to:

• Competitiveness – a facility with modern facilities (e.g. a wellness area) can more easily stand out on the hotel market.
• Expansion of the existing agritourism farm – grants allow us to finance year-round attractions that will also attract guests outside the season.
• A higher standard – modernization of rooms and infrastructure improves the comfort of rest, which translates into opinions and occupancy.
• Ecology – investments in renewable energy sources (photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, ecological installations) are additionally rewarded and reduce fixed costs.

This is a solution for farmers and those planning to establish agritourism businesses who want not only to develop rural tourism, but also to promote environmental awareness and local agricultural products.

What funding for agritourism is available in 2025?

In 2025, farmers and agritourism operators can benefit from several financial support programs. These include both EU and national subsidies that support the development and modernization of agritourism farms.

Financing from the Employment Office (PUP) – how can a farmer apply for a subsidy?

A farmer or someone planning to establish an agritourism business can receive up to PLN 54,000 from the District Employment Office (PUP) to start their business. These funds can be used to purchase cottage furnishings, create basic accommodation infrastructure, or conduct marketing and promotion activities for the agritourism sector. This type of support is particularly beneficial for those starting an agritourism business from scratch.

Local Action Groups (LGD) – grants for the development of agritourism farms

Grants provided through local action groups (LAGs) provide support for individuals wishing to develop an existing agritourism farm. The maximum grant amount is PLN 150,000, with reimbursement covering up to PLN 651,000 of eligible costs. Farmers can use these funds for projects such as building or renovating accommodation facilities, expanding rural tourism offerings, or promoting their farms in mainstream media. LAGs often also support projects related to handicrafts, traditional trades, and educational farms.

LEADER Programme and Rural Development Programme 2023–2027 – EU support for rural areas

The LEADER program, designed for farms under the Rural Development Programme 2023–2027, offers the greatest opportunities. Support can reach up to PLN 500,000, and reimbursement covers up to PLN 851,000 of eligible costs. The program supports the development of agritourism in rural areas through LEADER initiatives, which aim not only to modernize facilities but also to introduce innovative solutions, ecotourism, and promote environmental awareness. Depending on the program, funds can be allocated to the development of existing agritourism farms, agricultural processing, or rural tourism projects.

Ecological funds – how to allocate subsidies for ecological agritourism?

Funding from environmental funds is primarily aimed at farmers who want to implement solutions related to the green transition. It includes investments in renewable energy sources, improving the energy efficiency of buildings, and supporting environmentally friendly plant and animal production. Such investments not only reduce farm operating costs but also increase their attractiveness to tourists, who are increasingly choosing locations that conduct their business in an ecologically sound manner.

Preferential agricultural and investment loans

In addition to grants, preferential investment loans are also available, often with the possibility of partial forgiveness. This type of financing enables the development of an existing agritourism farm – from renovations and expansion of services to the purchase of modern equipment. These loans are particularly beneficial for farmers who want to run an agritourism farm long-term and need capital for larger projects.

What will be available in the future?

Forecasts indicate that in the coming years the following will receive particular support:

• ecotourism and pro-ecological projects,
• expansion of year-round attractions,
• introducing wellness & SPA services on farms,
• processing of agricultural products, handicrafts and traditional professions,
• development of rural tourism and care farms.

This means that the application for a subsidy for the purchase of a garden sauna, jacuzzi or spa bath fits perfectly into the financed development directions under the LEADER initiative.

What does agritourism most often spend its funds on?

In practice, grants most often finance a wide range of investments. Farmers and agritourism operators can use the funds obtained to renovate and modernize accommodation facilities, significantly improving the standard of services offered. The purchase of photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, and other eco-friendly installations is also very popular, reducing overhead costs while increasing environmental awareness among guests.

Grant funds can also be used for marketing and promotion in public media, making the agritourism sector more recognizable and attracting new tourists. Additional wellness amenities are also an important investment option, increasing the facility's competitiveness.

Solutions such as garden saunas, jacuzzi tubs, and spas are becoming increasingly popular. They enable year-round agritourism, ensuring more stable revenues and allowing for the expansion of rental options beyond the summer season. If a farmer demonstrates in their business plan that such investments are actually generating revenue for their agritourism farm, their chances of receiving funding significantly increase.

How to prepare to use the subsidy?

To apply for agritourism funding, you must:

1. Check available vacancies – schedules are published, among others, on the website ARiMR and LGD.
2. Analyze the requirements – each program has its own criteria, which may vary depending on the program.
3. Prepare a business plan – the applicant documented financial relationships and a marketing plan.
4. Apply for funding online – the application will be considered within the specified time.
5. Take advantage of counseling – this increases the chances of obtaining subsidies for people who run such activities.
6. Settle the investment – program requirements and conditions must be met.

Case study – sauna and jacuzzi as an investment in development

An example from Masuria: the owners of an agritourism farm used part of their LGD subsidy to purchase a sauna and a garden jacuzzi. This allowed them to offer wellness packages, which increased interest in off-season stays. In fact, the number of bookings increased by over 30%, and the investment began to pay off in the second year.

SpaSauna.pl offers saunas, jacuzzis and garden tubs that perfectly fit the criteria for funding for agritourism 2025/2026 – they are modern, energy-efficient and improve the standard of the facility.

Subsidies for agritourism 2025/2026 – summary and development prospects

The 2025 Agritourism Grants are a huge opportunity for farmers and those who want to run agritourism businesses or use the grants to expand an existing farm. They allow for investments that were previously difficult to finance – from renovations, through ecology and agricultural production, to wellness attractions.

When planning the development of agritourism, it's worth learning about support opportunities from EU programs, LGDs, and the Rural Development Programme 2023–2027. Remember, to benefit from these funds, you must submit an application for agritourism funding and meet certain requirements. This is an investment in the future that will increase the attractiveness of your agritourism and allow for the development of rural tourism year-round.