The allocation of 2024 land reclamation grants under the "Bændur græða landið" (e. Farmers heal the Land) project concluded on March 15, 2024, and was conducted through the Ísland.is website. Among the 418 projects approved for grants this year, approximately 3,500 hectares are designated for treatment with artificial fertilizer, while around 300 hectares will utilize organic fertilizer. In most instances, the organic fertilizer consists of manure sourced from farms. 

Participants are also provided with seeds, primarily sourced from red fescue (Festuca rubra) and lyme grass (Leymus arenarius). Additionally, seedlings of downy birch (Betula pubescens) and sea pea (Lathyrus japonicus) are allocated. Red fescue seeds are cultivated in fields surrounding Gunnarsholt in Rangárvellir and harvested during autumn, both locally and from fields across the region. Melgresi is likewise harvested in autumn from various locations, including Landeyjafjara, Mýrdalssandur, and Vatnsbæjargirðing in Kelduhverfi. Sea pea plants are also cultivated by Land and Forest Iceland. Seeds are manually collected, processed, inoculated with fungal roots, and subsequently grown in trays.  

Typically, our consultants visit project participants biennially to review progress, assess outcomes, and make necessary adjustments. Participants provide geospatial confirmation of actions and detailed information about their nature. 

The accomplishments of projects are generally positive, both in terms of land reclamation and relationships between participants and the regional representatives of Land and Forest Iceland. The project "Bændur græða landið" is undergoing continuous development with the objective of fostering improved outcomes of land reclamation operations, enhanced efficiency, and better outreach. The Land and Forest Iceland personnel anticipate ongoing fruitful collaboration with farmers and other landowners on land reclamation and land enhancement initiatives across the nation.

Source: Anna S. Valdimarsdóttir, project manager for "Bændur græða landið”.
Photos: Árdís Hrönn Jónsdóttir and Jóhann Gísli Jónsson.