Ukraine authorizes sale of agricultural land, "historic" reform

Text by: RFI Follow

The Ukrainian Parliament finally passed a law on March 31 authorizing the transfer of agricultural land, in particular to its operators.

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This reform, described as " historic " by President Volodymyr Zelensky, was eagerly awaited by investors. It was also one of the key conditions for the release of IMF financial assistance.

The text was adopted by 259 votes, including 206 from the presidential party "Servant of the people". The spirits have once again heated in the Ukrainian hemicycle where the deputies wore masks and gloves, epidemic of coronavirus obliges. Opposition members began to chant " shame " and the vote took place in a cacophonic atmosphere.

Concern of part of the population

The reform had raised the concern of a part of the population which demonstrated throughout the country, at the end of last year. The opposition had submitted 4,000 amendments. Critics of the reform fear it will serve the interests of oligarchs or large international groups.

To allay the fears of small farmers, the legislation adopted sets a strict framework. When it opens in July 2021, the sale of land will be limited to Ukrainian individuals for a maximum of 100 hectares each.

From 2024, Ukrainian companies will be able to acquire up to 10,000 hectares. As for the sale to foreign companies, it will remain prohibited at first, and will then be the subject of a referendum.

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• Ukraine
• Economy
• Volodymyr Zelensky

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