European Union support for Natura 2000 sites under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020

Objectives The purpose of this paper is to present aid tools available under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 addressed to Polish agricultural producers operating in Natura 2000 areas. The main questions the present study strives to answer are: How did agri-environmental schemes influence Polish agricultural activities in order to achieve the Natura 2000 objectives in agricultural areas? How can we evaluate the financial instruments included in the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020? Material and methods Therefore, the basic method of the research was the formal dogmatic method, in particular, legal linguistic interpretation, in order to analyze and assess the subject related legislation. In the article, there are also presented some statistical data acquired through access to public information in January 2021, reported to the Analysis and Reporting Department of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture. Results However, the assumption is that Natura 2000 compensates for these disadvantages through the possibility of obtaining EU funding. Polish farmers may receive compensation or other forms of co-financing from the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 if restrictions on farming activities have been introduced. Polish local self-government actively participates in ecological and agri-environmental policy. It supports Natura 2000 programme. Conclusions Agri-environmental schemes are considered to be one of the most important mechanisms for achieving the Natura 2000 objectives in agricultural areas, which may be complemented by the new investment action under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, i.e. “Investments in farms located in Natura 2000 areas”.