Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Reduce water pollution, Landscape
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farm fixed assets

Policy / Investments in agricultural holdings for environmentally sustainable production
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / The overriding aim of the support is to continue to facilitate and accelerate the adaptation to environmentally sustainable agriculture with the aim of , among other things, achieving the environmental quality objectives of Avaried agricultural landscape and No eutrophication.
Delivery Mechanism / Payments covering part of the investment costs associated with high environmental requirements i.e. in:
  • Manure storage;
  • change from solid manure to slurry-based systems;
  • equipment for injection of manure

Targets / Around 10000 agricultural and horticultural holdings should be prioritised during the period
When Applied / 2000 – 2006
Coverage/Eligibility / Whole country
Voluntary participation A farmer must comply with stipulated minimum standards concerning environment, hygiene and animal welfare in order for aid to be granted.
Costs / To Government (Community co-financing 25%)
Public costs (including EU financing)
Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2000-06
EURmillion 1.41 5.84 7.00 7.93 8.71 10.42 11.32 52.63
Note: only a part if these costs is associated with investments improving environment (other issues are improving animal welfare and improving working conditions)
Participation/Results / Support provided to 1500 holdings during the period 2000-2002.
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity, Landscape
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farm fixed assets

Policy / Support for restoring semi-natural pastureland and mown meadows
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / Re-establish biodiversity and cultural heritage values in semi-natural pastureland and in mown meadows
Delivery Mechanism / Payments covering part of the total eligible investment costs are provided to projects that give most environmental benefit. The maximum support is 90% of the actual costs and not more than SEK10000/ha
Targets / According to one of the interim targets for the Swedish Environmental Quality Objective A varied Agricultural Landscape the area of traditional managed meadows will increase by at least 5000 ha and the area of the most endangered types of managed grazing land will be increase by at least 13000 ha by 2010. One of the instruments used for achieving this target is the RDP and the measure for restoration of semi-natural pastureland and mown meadows.
When Applied / 2000 – 2006
Coverage/Eligibility / Whole country except the objective 1 area
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area))
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Restoration of mowed meadows” in the following table Link to excel table with payments
Participation/Results / 215 ha of mown meadows were restored during the period 2000-2002 and another 580 ha were under restoration.
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity, Reduce water pollution
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on land retirement

Policy / Establishment and restoration of wetlands and ponds
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999. Previous legislation is the Swedish Agri- Environmental Programme based on Council Regulation (EC) No 2078/92. Changes in the support scheme have been made from the earlier Agri-Environmental Programme to the Swedish RDP.
Overall Objective / Establish and restore wetlands and ponds to reduce nitrogen leakage from agricultural land and to conserve biodiversity
Delivery Mechanism / Payments covering up to 90% of the costs of establishing wetlands and ponds (higher compensations in the most southern parts of Sweden).
Since the total amount of payments is limited support is granted to projects that will give the most environmental benefit. After restoration the farmer could apply for support for management of wetlands and ponds. The support period is at least 10years.
Targets / According to one of the interim targets for the Swedish Environmental Quality Objectives Flourishing Wetlands at least 12 000 ha of wetlands and ponds should be established or restored in the agricultural landscape by 2010. One of the instruments for achieving this target is the RDP and the measure for establishment and restoration of wetlands and ponds.
When Applied / 1995-1999 under Agri-environmental Programme
2000-2006 under Environmental and Rural Development Programme
Coverage/Eligibility / Whole country except the objective 1 area
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Conversion of agricultural land to wetlands and ponds” in the following table Link to excel table with payments
Participation/Results / During the period 2000-2002 ca 1160 ha of wetlands and ponds have been established or is under construction.
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity, Landscape
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Environmental compensation for semi-natural pasture land and mown meadows
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / Maintain biodiversity and cultural heritage values in semi-natural pastureland and in mown meadows
Delivery Mechanism / Payments are granted for maintaining semi-natural pastureland and mown meadows:
  • Basic annual payment SEK1000/ha;
  • Additional annual payment SEK1400/ha (to areas with high nature and cultural heritage values)

Targets / 450000 ha of semi-natural-pasture land and mown meadows should be maintained and managed.
When Applied / 2000-2006 under Environmental and Rural Development Programme
Coverage/Eligibility / Whole country
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Grazing land, mowed meadows” and “Semi-natural grazing land” in the following table Link to excel table with payments
Participation/Results / 420000 ha of semi-natural pasture land and mown meadows were associated with the measure in 2002
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity, Reduce water pollution
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Environmental compensation for the management of wetlands and ponds
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Swedish Agri-environmental Programme based on Council Regulation (EC) No 2078/1992
Environmental and Rural Development Programme forSweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999. Changes in the support scheme have been made from the earlier Agri-Environmental Programme to the Swedish RDP.
Overall Objective / Maintain wetlands and ponds to reduce nitrogen leakage from agricultural land and to conserve biodiversity
Delivery Mechanism / Payments are granted for the management of wetlands and ponds to farmers who commit to manage the for at least 10 years:
  • Basic annual payment SEK 3000/ha;
  • Additional annual payment SEK 800/ha (if hay-making or grazing is used)

Targets / 6 000 ha of wetlands and pounds should be managed by 2006
When Applied / 1995-1999 under Agri-environmental Programme
2000-2006 under Environmental and Rural Development Programme
Coverage/Eligibility / Whole country except the objective 1 area
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Conversion of agricultural land to wetland and ponds” in the following table Link to excel table with payments
Participation/Results / Preliminary 3300 ha of wetlands and ponds were associated with the previous and current measure in 2002
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Landscape
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Environmental compensation for valuable natural and cultural heritage environments
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / Preserve valuable cultural and natural values of the farming environment
Delivery Mechanism / Annual payment per hectare proportional to the number of landscape features in or adjacent to arable land (e.g. open ditch, rows with trees or bushes, wells). The minimum annual payment is SEK3000/ha. Animportant condition to receive the payment is that all valuable landscape features are preserved.
Targets / The objective is that 18000 farmers corresponding to approximately 25-30% of the arable land is managed according to conditions stipulated for the compensation..
When Applied / 2000-2006 under Environmental and Rural Development Programme
Coverage/Eligibility / Whole country
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Natural and cultural environment” in the following table Link to excel table with payments
Participation/Results / 13700 farmers corresponding to 29% of the arable land were associated to the measure in 2002
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity, Landscape
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Environmental compensation for valuable natural and cultural heritage environment in reindeer farming areas
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / Conserve and enhance the flora and fauna, landscape and cultural values linked with the land use for reindeer farming and to conserve the same traditions.
Delivery Mechanism / Annual payment of SEK4200/ha (maximum SEK16800reindeer fencing remnants)
Targets / The target is to conserve 1700 ha reindeer pens and traditional fences of logs and stones.
When Applied / 2000-2006
Coverage/Eligibility / Only in areas with all year reindeer farming
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Natural and cultural environment” in the following table Link to excel table with payments
Participation/Results / In 2001 268,5 ha reindeer pens and 26 km of traditional fences of logs and stones were associated to the measure.
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Environmental compensation for local breeds threatened with extinction
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / Preserve local breeds and conserve genetic resources of domestic animals
Delivery Mechanism / Annual payments per livestock unit (LU) at the rate of:
  • SEK1500/LU for “linderödssvin” pigs; and
  • SEK1000/LU for other local breeds (cattle, sheep and goats)

Targets / The target is to conserve enough amounts of adult purebred breeds to secure the continued existence of the breeds, approximately 5000 livestock units
When Applied / 2000-2006
Coverage/Eligibility / Whole country
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Local breeds” in the following table Link to excel table with payments
Participation/Results / 3630 livestock units were associated to the measure by 2002
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Organic production
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Organic production methods
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Council Regulation (EC) No 2092/1992
Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / Support environmentally friendly agriculture through organic production
Delivery Mechanism / Annual payments per hectare of organic crops:
  • SEK500/ha of ley and green fodder crops
  • SEK1300/ha for grains
  • SEK2200 /ha for oilseeds, potatoes and other crops
  • SEK5000 /ha for vegetables
  • SEK7500 /ha for fruit and berries
Annual payment for organic livestock production of SEK1700/ha
Targets / The Government’s target is to double (to 20 percent) the area of land being farmed organically by year 2005 and to increase organic livestock production. By year 2005 10% of dairy cows and of cattle and lamb for slaughter should be in organic production. Increase the share of land under organic agriculture to 20% by 2005, which would include 10% of dairy cows, cattle and sheep
When Applied / 2000-2006
Coverage/Eligibility / Whole country
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Organic production” in the following table Link to excel table with payments
Participation/Results / In 2002, approximately 16% of arable land and more than 10% of cattle and sheep was produced according to the rules stipulated in EC regulation 2092/92
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Reduce water pollution
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Reduced nitrate leaching
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / Reduce nitrate leaching from arable land in order to reduce the nutrient load to the sea
Delivery Mechanism / Annual payments per hectare of catch crops and specific spring preparation of arable land to farmers who adopt at least one of the two methods for five years on at least 20% of the spring sowing area:
  • SEK900/ha of catch crops
  • SEK400/ha of spring preparation.

Targets / The target is that 50000 ha should be associated to the measure, which will decrease the water-borne nitrogen leakage with approximately 700 tonnes of N/year.
When Applied / 2001-2006
Coverage/Eligibility / Areas in Southern Sweden with high nitrogen leaching (counties of Kalmar, Gotland, Blekinge, Skåne, Halland and Västra Götaland).
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Payments under this programme are mentioned as “Natural and cultural environment” in the following table
Participation/Results / In 2002 totally 248000 ha were associated to the measure, of these 70000ha with both catch crops and spring preparation.
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity, Reduce water pollution
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Environmentally friendly cultivation of brown beans on the island of Öland
Agency / Swedish Board of Agriculture
Relevant Legislation / Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999
Overall Objective / Support traditional cultivation of local varieties of brown beans in the island of Öland
Delivery Mechanism / Annual payment of SEK2700/ha of local varieties of brown beans to farmers using traditional (environmentally friendly) production methods
Targets / Around 1000 ha should be cultivated on the island of Öland with local varieties of brown beans in a traditional way
When Applied / 2000 – 2006
Coverage/Eligibility / Island of Öland
Voluntary participation
Costs / To Government (taxpayers)
Community co-financing 50% (75% in Objective1 area)
Participation/Results / In 2002 around 700 ha of brown beans on the island of Öland were associated to the measure
How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated / The RDP is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the rules stipulated in Council regulation 1257/99 and 445/02. An independent investigator is appointed to accomplish a mid-term evaluation report.
Source/Further Information / The Environmental and Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2000-2006.
Matrix Classification:
  • Country: Sweden
  • Environmental Objective(s): Reduce water pollution
  • Type(s) of Measure: Payment based on farming practices

Policy / Environmentally friendly cultivation of sugar beet on the island of Gotland