Kazakhstan tightens control over subsidies: farmers will be required to account for every head of livestock and every liter of milk

According to the document, the main objective of the subsidy program is now officially defined as the development of pedigree livestock breeding and the reduction of production costs for agricultural producers. This includes improving access to breeding animals, semen, and insemination services.

Priority in the allocation of subsidies will be given to sectors most vulnerable to foreign imports, taking into account the regional specialization of agricultural production. Subsidy amounts will be calculated based on standardized rates per unit of output (such as per head, kilogram, etc.), tied to the actual volume of gross production.

Agricultural producers seeking support will be required to demonstrate efficiency by maintaining or increasing their gross production levels compared to the previous year. Failure to meet these obligations for two consecutive years without confirmed force majeure will result in the suspension of subsidy access for one to two years.

"Subsidy volumes are determined by multiplying the number of units (heads, kilograms, doses, pieces) by the corresponding subsidy standard established in Annex 1 to these Rules. In cases where there are outstanding obligations to producers due to unpaid subsidies from approved applications in previous financial year(s), the corresponding debt amount must be included in the calculation when planning the subsidy volume for the current financial year. The total demand for subsidies across all areas is determined by summing the requirements for each type of subsidy," the Order states.

All applications, calculations, and verifications are now processed through the digital system GISS, with mandatory oversight by local executive bodies. Special commissions will inspect the facilities of enterprises such as dairy farms, feedlots, meat processing plants, wool processors, and others.

The updated list of subsidized areas includes a broad range of activities:

• Purchase of pedigree cattle and small ruminants

• Artificial insemination services

• Compensation for compound feed expenses

• Support for milk production (including mare’s and camel’s milk)

• Cost reduction for cattle fattening and slaughter

• Subsidies for wool, honey, poultry meat, and selective breeding of local horse breeds

If monitoring reveals noncompliance with obligations—such as a decrease in livestock numbers or misuse of subsidy funds—the recipient will be required to return the allocated funds. In case of refusal, the matter will be taken to court.

The Order comes into force on June 22, 2025.