From Farms to Forests: An Exploration of Afforestation Efforts in Poland Under the Rural Development Programme (2007–2020)

Anna M. Klepacka (), Andrzej A. Romaniuk, Janusz Gajda and Ewa E. Chećko
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Anna M. Klepacka: Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development, Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-330 Warsaw, Poland
Andrzej A. Romaniuk: Software Sustainability Institute, EPCC, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9BT, UK
Janusz Gajda: Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, 00-241 Warsaw, Poland
Ewa E. Chećko: Department of Forestry and Forest Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-727 Olsztyn, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-19

Abstract: Forests are important in mitigating climate change and addressing biodiversity loss. In Poland, where forest cover has steadily increased since World War II, afforestation of agricultural land has emerged as a key strategy supported by both EU and national policies. This study evaluates the implementation of Poland’s afforestation programs under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) for the periods of 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 using data provided by the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARMA) and focusing on the financial incentives offered to private landowners and regional variations in their uptake. Results show that afforestation under the RDP aligned with the EU climate neutrality goals, with a total of 37,721 hectares afforested and PLN 243.5 million handed as financial support, predominantly (81%) over the first studied period. The largest afforestation efforts were observed in the Mazowieckie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodeships, with Warszawa, Poland’s capital, achieving the highest municipal afforestation area across both periods. Financial considerations influenced farmer participation, but rising land prices and historical land use patterns were contributing factors. Urban afforestation and increasing demand for woody biomass further highlight the benefits of afforestation. However, conifer-dominated stands, prevalent on low-quality land, can present challenges to ecosystem stability under future climate scenarios, necessitating diversification towards deciduous species. Additionally, low uptake during the 2014–2020 period showcases the need for improved incentives to bolster participation. Still, afforestation presents significant economic and environmental opportunities, advancing long-term policy objectives while addressing critical challenges in climate.

Keywords: afforestation; private forests; land use change; rural development programme 2007–2013; 2014–2020; Poland (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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