Art. 49

1. The Confederation may promote the basic and continuing education and training of specialists who carry out activities related to environmental protection.¹

1^bis^In order to ensure a high-quality range of courses, it may make contributions to private organisations that offer basic and continuing education and training courses on the handling of plant protection products containing substances in accordance with Article 29. The contributions shall be based on the Confederation's interest in the fulfilment of the task and the funding options for the beneficiary organisation and amount to a maximum of 50 per cent of the eligible course costs. Financial assistance may also be paid as a lump sum based on the estimated costs of an efficiently provided service.^²^ 2. It may commission or support research studies and technology assessments.³ 3. It may promote the development, certification, verification and market introduction of installations and processes that can reduce pollution in the public interest. Financial aid may not normally exceed 50 per cent of the costs. In the event of the commercial exploitation of the development results, it must be refunded in proportion to the earnings made. Every five years, the Federal Council shall make a general assessment of the effect of the promotion and reports to the Federal Assembly on the results.⁴