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This is a drainage subsidy program offered by Marker Kommune in Norway for agricultural land owners. The purpose of drainage funding is to increase the quality of previously ditched agricultural land - for the benefit of both crops and the environment. For leveled areas, grants can also be given to areas that have not been previously ditched. Good drainage is important for good harvests. Large parts of cultivated land in Norway have insufficient drainage, which results in poor growing conditions for plants and often difficult harvesting conditions. The result is smaller harvests with poorer quality. Poorly drained soil also increases the risk of loss of soil and nutrients to water and emissions of greenhouse gases to the air. This funding opportunity targets owners of, or entities that lease, agricultural land with a need for new drainage.

This grant program from the Norwegian Agriculture Directorate provides funding for drainage of previously ditched agricultural land and leveled areas. The purpose is to increase the quality of agricultural soil by providing subsidies for drainage of poorly drained land with potential for increased food production, and to reduce the risk of erosion and surface runoff of nutrients to waterways. Eligible drainage activities include systematic ditching, profiling, peat excavation, non-systematic ditching, and cut-off ditching. The grant covers previously drained farmland areas, with an exception for leveled areas which can receive support even if not previously drained. Subsidies are not granted where the measure causes significant damage to other property and biodiversity, significant risk of flooding and water pollution, or risk of damage to automatically protected cultural monuments.

The grant program supports various forest cultivation activities in Norway to stimulate the development of quality forests. Forest owners can apply for subsidies for forestry measures on their property. Municipalities determine annually which specific forest cultivation activities are eligible for subsidies in their area. The most common supported activities include young forest care, ground preparation, and planting (especially in coastal counties). Other eligible activities include fertilization, drainage, and other quality-enhancing forestry measures. Subsidies are not provided for chemical use, equipment purchases, or activities that generate surplus through timber extraction. Each municipality sets its own application deadlines and detailed guidelines for subsidies, and may establish conditions for grants on a case-by-case basis.