Are you a forest owner? Check how to get CAP funding – applications are now open

Until July 31, 2025, farmers and private forest owners can apply for funding for forestry interventions under the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023–2027. The amount of financial aid depends on the type of project and land conditions, with a maximum of up to PLN 17,000 per hectare available. What activities are eligible for support?

Who is eligible for CAP funding?

Forestry interventions eligible for funding can be carried out by farmers on land they own or co-own (spouses may also be owners or co-owners). A different type of support, focused on enhancing biodiversity, is available to private forest owners.

A key criterion is the size of the investment. In the case of afforestation or tree planting, the area should not exceed 40 hectares within a single intervention. During application assessment, extra points can be awarded if, for example, the land is located within an ecological corridor, adjoins a forest or inland surface waters, or is situated in a voivodeship with less than 30% forest coverage.

Purpose: enhancing biodiversity and preventing drought

Forestry interventions eligible for funding under the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023–2027 include:
● afforestation of agricultural land and protection of trees and shrubs from damage;
● creation of new mid-field tree stands and their protection from damage;
● establishment of agroforestry systems and their protection from damage;
● increasing biodiversity in private forests – restructuring tree species composition combined with protection from damage.

Each of these projects is also aimed at supporting water retention and mitigating the effects of drought. Increasing tree coverage helps reduce harmful soil erosion.

The value of support for forestry interventions depends on the type of action undertaken, as well as land features in the agricultural area or private forest. In unfavorable conditions (such as slopes over 12°), funding may be more than PLN 2,000 higher per hectare.

Additionally, in the case of afforestation, a 12-year afforestation premium may be granted as compensation for converting farmland to forest. Farmers establishing agroforestry systems are entitled to a 5-year maintenance premium.

Where, when and how to submit an application?

Applications are handled by ARiMR. The application period started on June 1 and will continue until July 31, 2025. Farmers and forest owners seeking financial support for forestry interventions must use the eWniosekPlus application – the same platform used for direct payment applications. Only one selected activity may be applied for per application: afforestation, tree planting, agroforestry establishment, or biodiversity enhancement in a private forest.

Applicants must attach relevant documents, such as an afforestation plan or investment plan. The full list of required attachments is available on the ARiMR information website.

Forestry interventions and direct payments

Receiving direct payments does not exclude eligibility for forestry intervention funding. Both types of support can complement each other. A farmer who meets the ARiMR criteria may apply for funding even if they have already received direct payments. This aligns with the goals of the Common Agricultural Policy, which aims to integrate various forms of support and promote sustainable rural development.