Voluntary set-asides increase during 2024

Nyhet | Statistik - 15 May 2025

1.4 million hectares of forest land were voluntary set-aside during 2024 and the area covered by certification schemes was 14.7 million hectares. The voluntary set-aside area has increased and the certified area decreased marginally since 2023, according to the Swedish Forest Agency’s statistics.

The area of voluntary set-asides in 2024 was 1.4 million hectares of productive forest land, which is an increase of 70,000 hectares compared with 2023. This increase is seen for both individuals and other landowners.

The voluntary set-asides were evenly distributed across the four regions Northern Norrland, Southern Norrland, Svealand and Götaland, each with 300,000 to 400,000 hectares.

Individual landowners accounted for 588,000 hectares of voluntary set-asides during 2023. Other landowners, which include private companies, public landowners, religious communities et cetera accounted for 820,000 hectares of voluntary set-asides.

66 percent certified

The area of productive forest land under the PEFC or FSC certifications amounted to 14.7 million hectares in 2024, a decrease of about 34 000 hectares compared with 2023. Sixty six percent of all productive forest land outside formally protected areas in Sweden is certified.

Individual landowners own about 4.3 million hectares of certified forest land while the largest proportion, 10.4 million hectares, is owned by other landowners.

Seventy seven percent of the certified area is double-certified, with the remainder having only one of the certifications. Of these, 18 percent are certified with only PEFC and 5 percent with only FSC.

Revised statistics for the years 2022 and 2023

In connection with the release of the 2024 statistics, we have revised the figures for 2022 and 2023. The adjustment primarily affects approximately 300,000 hectares of certified forest area, where ownership was updated from individual to other owner categories.

Revisions of this kind are common in the statistics for certified areas and voluntary set-asides. As a result, annual changes and regional comparisons should be interpreted with caution. Estimates are updated when improved or more complete information becomes available.

Explanation

Voluntary set-aside – An area of productive forest land for which the landowner has voluntarily decided not to conduct measures that could damage environmental values, cultural environments or social values. The area must be documented in a management plan or other document.

Other landowners - The state, state-owned limited companies, other public owners, privately owned limited companies.

Individual landowners – Single owner, estates and small companies (sole trader).

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

PEFC (Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification).

The survey is part of Official Statistics of Sweden.