President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed the Law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Stimulating the Development of Viticulture and Horticulture” № 1989-IX Verkhovna Rada adopted on December 17, 2021. This law is very important for Odessa region.

Source: Presidental website

The document aims to create appropriate economic and legal conditions conducive to the development of viticulture and horticulture in Ukraine.

The law expands the list of citizens of Ukraine who have the right to purchase land plots of state and communal property for farming.

Thus, the purchase of state and communal lands by citizens who acquired the right to lease land by re-issuing the right of permanent use in respect of these land plots until 2016, and not until 2010, as before.

According to the document, from 2024, citizens will also have the right to purchase land with land belonging to perennial plantations if such persons grow fruit, berry, nut plants, grapes, etc for at least three years.

In addition, a term is set for agricultural land leased for the establishment and/or cultivation of perennial crops (fruit, berry, nuts, grapes), which may not be less than 25 years.

The law also stipulates that in case of termination of the land lease agreement at the initiative of the lessor (except in cases of termination of the contract due to improper performance of its duties by the lessee) the lessee is entitled to reimbursement of costs damages caused by termination of the contract.

This law will create favourable conditions for the development of viticulture and horticulture in Ukraine, which will stimulate the expansion of existing and the emergence of new farms and increase employment in rural areas.

It will also increase the supply of domestic raw materials to Ukrainian wine enterprises and juice producers, which will be another step in the development of agriculture and ensuring the state's food independence.