The individual and social characteristics of poplar investors-cultivators and the factors that affect the size of poplar plantations according to the EU Regulation 2080/92

Abstract

Abstract The framework of regulation EU/2080/92 includes a series of measures aimed at subsidies for the afforestation of agricultural land with a variety of species (Pinus, Poplar, Black locust, Walnut etc). Poplar in particular is a widespread forest species of great social, economic and environmental importance not only for Greece but also internationally. This paper investigates, the individual and social characteristics of poplar cultivators, the factors that affect the size of poplar plantations and the typology of the farms created within the framework of this regulation. The study area was the Prefecture of Pella, where research was carried out through the use of a questionnaire. The primary factors that affect the establishment of poplar plantations are the existence of large areas of privately-owned land, the size of the irrigated land the participation in other European regulations and programmes, the altitude zone and gender. The classification of farms shows/indicates that their production systems (type of farm) is determined by their production sectors and structural characteristics. Keywords: investors, cultivators, poplar plantations, EU Regulation 2080/92 Introduction A surplus in many agricultural products in the earlyl980's, caused serious problems to the European Union (EU), as significant subsidies were required for their export thus burdening the EU budget (Mattas, 2000; Sernos, 2004). The EU also faced a serious deficit in wood and wood products. At the same time, in order for the EU to deal with its serious deficit in wood and wood products. A series of measures were taken within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the afforestation of agricultural land (regulations 797/85, 1609/89). Since these measures were not successful in reducing the surplus in agricultural products and in decreasing the deficit in forest products, the EU proceeded with a reform of the CAP in 1992. The accompanying measures of the CAP reform include regulation 2080/92 (forest measures for agriculture). This regulation includes measures aimed at providing subsidies for the afforestation of agricultural land with various forest species (Pine, Poplar, Black Locust and Walnut). These subsidies are intended to cover the labour costs for any type of owner (farmers, non farmers, agricultural cooperatives, municipalities, social welfare institutions etc), the maintenance costs for forest plantations and to counterbalance loss of income (Arabatzis, 2000; Arabatzis, 2005). European Union (EU) policies, from the early 1990s to the present have gradually promoted the multi-functional role of forests and forested land, and their potential multiple contribution to the local productive and social system and environmental balance (Elands et al., 2001; Slee and Wiersum, 2001; Kassioumis et al., 2004). The subsidies for the afforestation of agricultural land currently continue within the framework of regulation 1257/99. Poplar, is a forest species of major economic and environmental value for many countries around the world, which easily adapts to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions from extreme desert heat to strong mountain winds. It is easy to cultivate and form important component forestry and agricultural systems, often for small-scale farmers. In addition, it is a source of a great variety of wood products (such as plywood, veneer, industrial roundwood, pallets and furniture), non-wood products (fodder, fuelwood) and services (shelter, shade and protection of soil, water, crops livestock and dwellings). Poplar has an important role in phytoremediation (i.e. taking up heavy metals to purify polluted soils) of degraded sites, rehabilitation of fragile ecosystems (including combating desertification) and forest landscape restoration it provide employment opportunities, boost exports and contribute to social and economic development and sustainable livelihoods in rural areas (Ball et al. …