Rural development by afforestation in predominantly agricultural areas: issues and challenges from two areas in Greece

In light of the increasing mandate for forest expansion through afforestation of arable and degraded land, this attitudinal study explores the perceptions of landowners in Greece regarding forest planting and forest policy related issues, the efficiency of afforestation schemes as well as how new forests are accepted in comparison with agricultural landuse values. Results of a landowner comparative survey undertaken in two varied rural areas in Greece, seek to enlighten why local landowner groups are resistant to the planting of land with trees. This is partly attributed to the long-driven agrarian character of these areas. To some landowners, forestry is envisaged as antagonistic, rather than synergetic to agriculture and thus not socially acceptable. Although it could also be the result of other factors, such as the administrative barriers or limited knowledge available to farmers, the research establishes grant aid funding for forestry as a continuous and potent impetus for farmers to participate in planting schemes in rural areas. Forest policy should involve decisions more related with the regulation of subsidies to buy contributions of forestry to meet environmental and social objectives in addition to the productive ones.