Grants from the Land Reform Fund are awarded to non-governmental organisations, farmers, municipalities and others possessing or controlling land. The aim of the grants is protection and restoration of vegetation and soil. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 to 2030 aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. Icelandic people are strongly encouraged to participate. Land and forest Iceland provides advice on the implementation of the projects supported by the fund and monitors their progress and results.

Further details on the Land Reform Fund

The Land Reform Fund is operated by Land and Forest Iceland, which provides funds for its allocation from governmental funding and possible funding contributed by other parties. Grants are allocated annually from the Fund with the aim of bringing responsibility and implementation of revegetation projects to the region and providing grants to landowners, municipalities, non-governmental organisations and other holders of land for land improvement projects. The amount of a grant may amount to up to 2/3 of the cost of work, equipment and purchases of inputs, but not exceeding 10% of the funds available for each grant.

• In 2023, the Land Reform Fund was allocated to 90 entities across the country, totalling ISK 100 million, as has been the case for several years.

• The land and forest provide seeds of meadows and lymegrass where the land and forest are considered needed.

• In 2022, more than 3,000 hectares were worked on, but figures for 2023 are not yet available.

• Grants are awarded higher for projects where the peaceful land is used than the grazed land.

• In recent years, the use of organic fertilisers has increased, which is in line with the sustainability objectives of Lands and Forests and the Fund.

When deciding on grants, emphasis is placed on:

• Rapid soil erosion and desertification.

• Vegetation, soil and wetlands reclamation.

• Sustainable land use.

• The sequestration of carbon in vegetation and soil.

Individual projects may receive grants of up to five years, provided that the application is accompanied by a timetable for action. The grant recipient must submit an intermediate report and a revised estimate at the end of each year during the grant period.