Geographical Variability of Set-Aside in Poland: Environmental and Anthropogenic Impacts on the Implementation of Complementary EU Instrument

The aim of this paper is to determine whether the complementary instrument of agricultural cyclical set-aside has been implemented in Poland over the past decade (2014–2023). Additionally, this study examines the geographical variability in the set-aside application and identifies factors that contribute to this spatial variability. Geographically Weighted Regression is employed to capture the spatial variation in environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing set-aside measures. Findings confirm that rotational set-aside practices vary across Polish municipalities. Negative impacts on set-aside measures are associated with the following independent variables: farm size, environmental protection, low-quality soils, water surface, and social capital. However, the magnitude and significance of these impacts vary spatially. Geographically differentiated impacts are observed for variables such as length of the growing season, precipitation, mineral fertilizer consumption, and slope of the terrain. Interestingly, a general positive influence is not confirmed for any predictor regarding the frequency and extent of set-aside practices. The findings suggest reconsidering and emphasizing the geographical aspects of the Common Agricultural Policy within the European Union.