SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF AFFORESTATION IN POLAND UNDER RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2007-2013

The paper covers spatial analysis of the Measure "Afforestation of agricultural and other than agricultural lands" implemented in Poland within the framework of the Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013 (RDP 2007 2013). Beneficiaries obtained payments for afforestation based on the commitments made during the programming perspective of 2004 - 2006 or they joined the programme during the perspective of 2007 - 2013. Data obtained from the Department for Direct Payments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as of 31 December 2012 - formed the base of the analysis. Payments made in the country to the beneficiaries considering their activity and absorption of funds within the framework of the measure are presented. Next, given the disbursements made in voivodships and counties of Poland, the activity of beneficiaries was indicated and average disbursements per beneficiary were determined. The analysis aims at investigating the consistency of the afforestation policy implemented in Poland as of 2004 and showing the role of afforestation projects implemented within the RDP framework. The aim of the article is to show spatial changes in the intensity and dynamics of agricultural land afforestation projects implemented within the framework of the RDP 2007 - 2013 considering natural conditions. The afforestation rate and the ownership structure of the forestland in Poland is diverse. Afforestation allows and rationally manages agricultural land, which is of little use for agricultural production. The utilization of EU funds supporting afforestation of agricultural land in Poland is characterized by spatial variability.