Attracting European Union Funding

What Can Be Financed in Forest Management?

European Union and state cofinancing for the forestry sector in Latvia supports a wide range of activities, for example:  

Afforestation and Agrotechnical Maintenance

Afforestation of unused agricultural lands

 

Reforestation and Agrotechnical Maintenance

Replanting following fires, windthrows, pest infestations, and disease damage.

Forest Stand Replacement and Agrotechnical Maintenance

Replacing low value and low productivity stands with higher quality and more productive forests.

 

Precommercial Thinning

Targeted maintenance of young stands by selectively cutting low value, damaged, and unwanted tree species, thereby ensuring optimal growing space for perspective trees and promoting the development of high quality timber assortments in the future.

Pine forest stand management.

Main European Union Programs and Support Directions

In Latvia, forest management projects are primarily financed through the following channels:

The CAP Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027

Support measures for investments in sustainable forestry and other forestry measures aim to improve forest ecosystem resilience and ecological value, as well as to develop competitive and modern forestry.  

Rural Development and European Union Fund Projects

Project rounds are regularly announced for afforestation, reforestation, young stand maintenance, and stand replacement. The Rural Support Service ensures the acceptance and administration of project applications.  

LIFE and Other Environmental and Nature Conservation Projects

The LIFE program finances projects that promote biodiversity conservation, the management of Natura 2000 territories, and the involvement of private forest owners in preserving natural values, such as initiatives in Natura 2000 areas and the Living Forest program.  

In addition to European Union funds, the forestry sector utilizes the Forest Development Fund, which combines state budget funding, donations, and foreign assistance financing administered by the Rural Support Service.

Sappling growing on stump, forest regenration.

How Does the European Union Funding Process Work?

For a forest owner to progress from an idea to an approved project and disbursed support, they typically need to complete the following steps:  

Evaluation of the Situation and Objectives

  • Analyzing the current condition of the forest.
  • Defining the objectives of the owner, such as increasing income, reducing risks, or preserving natural values.

Selection of Appropriate Support Programs

  • Common Agricultural Policy forestry measures. 
  • European Union fund projects. 
  • LIFE or other special environmental projects if the focus is on biological diversity or climate goals.

Technical and Financial Planning

  • Developing a forestry work plan that includes afforestation, thinning, and reforestation tasks. 
  • Evaluating cost estimates, cash flow, and cofinancing options.

Preparation and Submission of Project Applications

  • Preparing the document package according to the requirements of the Rural Support Service. 
  • Submitting applications through the electronic application system (LAD EPS).

Project Implementation and Reporting

  • Executing works according to the approved plan. 
  • Preparing documents that justify the expenses. 
  • Submitting progress and final reports while cooperating with the supervisory institutions.
Spruce seedling in trays, forest planting.

How Can Palus Help?

Our task is to make attracting European Union funding as simple and understandable as possible for the forest owner. In practice, this means that we:

  • evaluate the potential of your property and its eligibility for specific support measures,
  • explain the complex European Union and national requirements in simple terms,
  • prepare the necessary documentation and project applications,
  • assist in communication with the Rural Support Service and other institutions,
  • track the announcement of project rounds and inform you about opportunities in a timely manner,
  • provide consultations during the project implementation and reporting phases to minimize the risk of support reduction or denial.

If you own a forest or plan to plant one but are unsure how to properly utilize the opportunities offered by the European Union, we will help you formulate your goals and find the most suitable financing combination specifically for your forest management.

Please note that a forest planted with the support of European Union funding also qualifies for carbon credits!

Meža ceļs no putna lidojuma, ar līkumu priežu vidē.