Financial incentives applicable to small forest holdings is a report prepared as part of the SMURF project - funded by the European Union. For the implementation of sub-activity 1.8.2, this document prepared specifically for Bulgaria was reviewed. NAOPF "Gorovladeletz" is a beneficiary of the project and represents a large number of forest owners in the country. By reviewing this report and providing the relevant comments, we assisted in preparing an analysis of the European forest sector in terms of support schemes for small forest holdings - those managing less than 500 hectares. The completion of the form aims to accurately present the financial incentives, aids, tax breaks and subsidies affecting forest owners and their impact on sustainable forest management. The answers to the form will be analyzed and processed anonymously. The comments and responses were entered into a pre-prepared form sent to us. It was important that the information provided was accurate and based on real facts. The report accurately stated that we lack funding for the forestry sector from regional and local authorities, foundations and business associations, educational institutions, as well as innovative sources of funding. The report also examined the possibilities for EU funding: - The European Regional Development Fund covers the Environment Programme 2021-2027 - priority "Biodiversity" and priority "Risk and Changing Climate". However, until May 2025, no projects related to forestry were reported among the projects financed under the programme; - The Common Agricultural Policy: The CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 includes eight interventions. Six of them allow small forest holdings. These are: II.A.13 - Forest-ecological activities in forests II.A.14 - Natura 2000 support for forests II.A.15 - Support for newly created and restored forests II.G.10 - Afforestation and restoration II.G.11 - Prevention of forest damage from forest fires, natural disasters and catastrophic events. II.G.12 - Improving the health and sustainability of forest ecosystems by supporting logging in forest areas. - The LIFE and Horizon Europe programs are other funding opportunities. As a comment, the opinion was expressed that there are no examples of small forest holdings that have benefited from funding. The high bureaucracy and complexity of the application process discourages interested forest owners from applying. Regarding the existing cooperatives and associations under Art. 183 of the Forestry Act, the opportunity for them to be allowed to apply has just begun. It was noted that they are not owners, but an association of owners for joint management.SMURF project website https://www.smurfproject.eu/.Funded by EU #smurfproject #SmallForestHoldings #forestry #forestowners #profitability #smallforestowners #foresteufuture #forestmanagement #sustainability #forestnews #cascadefunding #closetonaturesilviculture
