Advisor points to both opportunity and risk in new Section 3 subsidy
Økologisk NuStarting from 2027, more areas will be included in the "permanent extensification" scheme. As a new development, it will be possible to apply for funding for areas protected under Section 3 of the Nature Conservation Act. However, a condition is that the Section 3 area is located in a wetland potential area. At Organic Advisory Denmark, plant advisor Helle Ansine Jensen does not advise against applying. She points out, however, that farmers and landowners who receive support for Section 3 areas simultaneously waive the possibility of later objecting to a wetland project. This is because, upon approval, a registration is signed that describes how the area must be able to be included in a wetland project. No additional compensation is provided if the area later becomes part of a project. No possibility for objection "If it is an area that is not grazed, or if you have multiple grazing areas available, applying for permanent extensification can be a good opportunity. Just be aware that parts of the area in a wetland project may no longer be suitable for grazing. And if a project becomes a reality in the area, you have waived the possibility to object or oppose," she emphasizes. She assesses that the compensation amount for wetland creation will most often correspond to the subsidy for permanent extensification. So, if the land is not already used for grazing, it can be a good idea to apply for the funds. The subsidy for Section 3 areas with wetland potential will be 35,500 kroner per hectare. According to the Agency for Green Land Reallocation and Water Environment, the purpose is, among other things, to ensure that the nitrogen effect from future wetland creation of Section 3 areas can be included in the overall calculation of the nitrogen quota. This applies in areas where a wetland or lowland project may be developed but has not yet been realized. Helle Ansine Jensen also points out that farmers can assess whether their Section 3 areas have potential by checking the IMK map from the Agency for Green Land Reallocation and Water Environment and selecting the layers that show wetland potential. All agricultural land can be considered The expansion does not stop at Section 3 areas. From 2027, applications for permanent extensification will be open for all agricultural land. If a larger area than the financial framework is applied for, areas in coastal water catchments with nitrogen reduction needs and carbon-rich lowland soils will be prioritized. A total of 439 million kroner has been allocated for the scheme in 2027. The changes follow relatively limited interest in the scheme in 2026. About 140 applicants applied for approval for the permanent extensification of 820 hectares, corresponding to approximately 45 million kroner. With the expansion to include, among other things, Section 3 areas, authorities hope to encourage more farmers to use the scheme, which aims to reduce climate and nitrogen burdens and promote biodiversity.
Additional areas will be included in the 'permanent extensification' scheme from 2027.
As a new feature, it will be possible to apply for grants for areas protected under Section 3 of the Nature Conservation Act.
However, it is a condition that the Section 3 area is located in an area with wetland potential.
At Organic Advisory Denmark, plant advisor Helle Ansine Jensen does not advise against applying.
She does, however, point out that farmers and landowners who receive support for Section 3 areas simultaneously waive the possibility of later objecting to a wetland project. This is because, upon approval, a land registration is signed, which states that the area can be included in a wetland project. No additional compensation is provided if the area later becomes part of a project.
No possibility for objection
"If it is an area that is not grazed, or if you have multiple grazing areas available, it might be a good opportunity to apply for permanent extensification. You just need to be aware that parts of the area in a wetland project may no longer be suitable for grazing. And if a project becomes a reality in the area, you have waived the possibility to object or raise objections," she points out.
She assesses that the compensation amount for wetland creation will most often correspond to the grant for permanent extensification. So, if you are not already using the area for grazing, it might be a good idea to apply for the funds.
The grant for Section 3 areas with wetland potential will be 35,500 kroner per hectare.
According to the Agency for Green Land Use and Water Environment, the purpose is, among other things, to ensure that the nitrogen effect from future wetting of Section 3 areas can be included in the overall calculation of the nitrogen quota. This applies in areas where a wetland or lowland project may be developed but has not yet been realized.
Helle Ansine Jensen also points out that farmers can assess whether their Section 3 areas have potential by checking the IMK map from the Agency for Green Land Use and Water Environment and selecting the layers that show wetland potential.
All agricultural areas can be considered
The expansion does not stop at Section 3 areas. From 2027, applications for permanent extensification will be open for all agricultural areas.
If a larger area than the financial framework is applied for, areas in coastal water catchments with nitrogen reduction needs and carbon-rich lowland soils will be prioritized.
There are 439 million kroner allocated for the scheme in 2027.
The changes follow a relatively limited interest in the scheme in 2026. About 140 applicants applied for approval for permanent extensification of 820 hectares, corresponding to around 45 million kroner.
With the expansion to include, among others, Section 3 areas, the authorities hope to encourage more farmers to use the scheme, which aims to reduce climate and nitrogen loads and promote biodiversity.