Land and Forest Iceland
Strong Interest in Land and Forest Iceland Projects at the Agricultural Exhibition
13th October 2026
Large numbers of visitors stopped by the Land and Forest Iceland stand at the Agricultural Exhibition held at Laugardalshöll from 9 to 11 October. The event provided an important opportunity to discuss the institution’s support schemes, which are currently being developed following the introduction of new regulations. Visitors had plenty of questions and topics to discuss, and the complimentary coffee certainly helped encourage people to stay and engage in conversation.
Visitors discussing seeds and fertilisers with Department Director Jónína Sigríður Þorláksdóttir at the Land and Forest Iceland stand during the Agricultural Exhibition. Photo: Fífa Jónsdóttir.
Nearly one hundred exhibitors took part in this year’s exhibition, and attendance reached a record high for the event, which is held every four years. In addition to information about Land and Forest Iceland’s support programmes, visitors to the stand could explore a variety of displays and learn more about the institution’s work. Samples of timber, tree seedlings, seeds and lyme grass were on display, sparking curiosity and discussion about the purpose, objectives, achievements and benefits of land restoration and forestry projects across Iceland.
Earlier this year, a new Regulation on Incentive and Support Programmes entered into force, and Land and Forest Iceland is currently working to implement its provisions. While the overall framework for support remains largely unchanged, efforts are under way to harmonise different programmes and further develop them in line with the new regulation.
The creation of a unified institution and the revised regulatory framework provide a range of opportunities for future development. One concept currently under consideration is a more integrated approach in which entire farms or landholdings would be assessed in relation to all the programmes for which Land and Forest Iceland provides advice and financial support. Ideas of this kind are still being developed, and the main purpose of the stand at this year’s exhibition was to encourage discussion with the institution’s advisers about these proposals, as well as specific support measures relating to land restoration, forestry, shelterbelt establishment, wetland restoration, coastal and soil erosion control, and other related initiatives.
The Icelandic Agriculture Exhibition 2026 was organised in cooperation with the Farmers Association of Iceland. The accompanying photographs were taken by Fífa Jónsdóttir. The two latter images show Ingunn Sandra Arnþórsdóttir, Regional Officer, and Sigurjón Einarsson, Specialist Adviser on Erosion Control, ready to welcome visitors to the Land and Forest Iceland stand. Also pictured are Ágúst Sigurðsson, Director of Land and Forest Iceland, and Gústaf Jarl Viðarsson, Forestry Adviser, in conversation with visitors at the exhibition.