Importance of Environmental Measures Under the CAP 2023–2027 on High Nature Value Farmlands: Evidence from Poland

Marek Zieliński (), Barbara Gołębiewska (), Jan Jadczyszyn, Marcin Adamski and Józef Tyburski
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Marek Zieliński: Department of Economics of Agricultural and Horticultural Holdings, Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics—National Research Institute, 00-002 Warsaw, Poland
Barbara Gołębiewska: Department of Economics and Organisation of Enterprises, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
Jan Jadczyszyn: Department of Soil Science and Environmental Analysis, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
Marcin Adamski: Department of Economics of Agricultural and Horticultural Holdings, Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics—National Research Institute, 00-002 Warsaw, Poland
Józef Tyburski: Department of Agroecosystems and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-23

Abstract: This paper examines the characteristics of agriculture in High Nature Value farmlands (HNVf) in Poland and assesses their capacity to implement key environmental measures under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027. Using spatial and statistical analyses at the municipal level, the study compares agricultural structures, production types, participation in eco-schemes, organic farming and agri-environment-climate measures under the CAP 2023–2027. The delimitation of HNVf areas was based on the EU methodology, focusing on the extent of agricultural production and the environmental value of the surrounding landscape. The results indicate that HNVf areas are predominantly located in regions with challenging natural conditions, a high share of permanent grasslands, and limited capacity to diversify crop structures. Farms in these areas show lower participation in eco-schemes compared to more intensive farming regions, suggesting that current instruments may not fully align with the specific needs of low-intensity systems. In contrast, higher levels of engagement were observed in organic farming and agri-environment-climate measures in HNVf. These findings highlight the need for better-adapted CAP instruments that reflect the environmental and economic realities of HNVf areas. Enhancing support mechanisms for these regions is essential to safeguard biodiversity, promote sustainable land use, and maintain the socio-environmental functions of rural landscapes.

Keywords: High Nature Value farmlands (HNVf); Common Agricultural Policy; sustainability; environmental measures; institutions; eco-schemes; organic farming; agri-environment-climate measures (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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