Land consolidation and replacement land in wetland and low-lying land projects
Updated
Many landowners would rather exchange land than receive money. Land consolidation makes it possible to bring project land together and provide participants with replacement land elsewhere.
What is land consolidation?
In land consolidation, plots are traded simultaneously so that the project area can be brought together and the affected landowners can receive land elsewhere. The land consolidation process is managed by Styrelsen for Grøn Arealomlægning og Vandmiljø (SGAV, the Danish Agency for Green Land Use and Aquatic Environment).
Replacement land
Replacement land is agricultural land outside the project area acquired for exchange. According to the guidance on water and climate projects, purchases and sales of replacement land must, in principle, balance out. Under the agreement on implementing a green Denmark, approximately DKK 740 million has been allocated to purchasing replacement land in connection with land consolidation.
Project land
Project land consists of areas within the project boundary. These are typically affected by changes to groundwater levels or watercourses and are often wetter than before. Agricultural support can still be applied for on many of these areas.
The state as temporary owner
SGAV typically owns land for a period of 2-5 years in connection with the projects. Project areas are sold by public tender, and a declaration requiring their continued preservation is registered against the title before the sale.
Only under track 1
Land consolidation and land acquisition are only possible under track 1 of the VLP scheme (water and climate projects).
Frequently asked questions
Who manages land consolidation?
Styrelsen for Grøn Arealomlægning og Vandmiljø.
Is land consolidation possible for private projects?
Land consolidation falls under track 1, which is for public-sector applicants.