Romanian farmers convert unusable sand land into forest revenue

Residents of Daneți, a commune in the Dolj County of Romania, are receiving annual payments for converting barren, sandy land into forests.

The region, often called the "Sahara of Oltenia," has struggled with unproductive soil that made traditional farming unprofitable. Through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, over 1,000 locals agreed to let their land be reforested to prevent desertification and create a steady source of income.

Mayor Marius Cristian Antonie says the project convinced skeptical residents by offering a guaranteed income that exceeds potential rental returns. Owners receive payments for forest sequestration and compensation for lost agricultural subsidies. These payments reach over 800 euro per hectare for the first 12 years, decreasing to 640 euro per hectare for the remaining eight years of a 20-year contract. After the 20-year period ends, owners regain full freedom to decide the land's future.

The local community formed an association to manage the project, contracting a firm to handle the planting. While 786 hectares are currently under the project, the community has another 325 hectares approved but awaiting funding. The Ministerul Mediului promised 250 million lei for projects stuck without funding, though the mayor notes no funds arrived this year. The reforestation also serves as a buffer to protect nearby productive farmland from encroaching sand.