On November 26, a public discussion of land reform was held with local community leaders and industry experts. Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy Mykola Solsky, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Taras Vysotsky, Presidential Commissioner for Land Affairs Roman Leshchenko, MPs, representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture and State GeoCadastre.

“According to the results of past open discussions with the leadership of consolidated communities (CC), industry experts and line associations, in the first reading, the VR adopted two bills # 2194 and # 2195 on deregulation of land relations and delegation of powers for land management to local communities. This week is the deadline for the submission of amendments. We want to once again listen to the CC leaders, exchange with new visions and take them into account when finalizing these bills,” Mykola Solsky noted.

Moreover, he added the following day was the deadline for submitting amendments to the basic bill on the turnover of agricultural land # 2178-10, and the following week they would be worked on. Thus, among the critical amendments to the bill - foreigners will be able to be participants of enterprises that will be eligible for buying agricultural land only if such a decision is approved in a referendum, there will also be significantly reduced the concentration of land in one hand.

“An inventory of public lands has already been carried out. Thus, the territorial communities have already received at their disposal 1.7 million hectares of agricultural land. After the adoption of the bill on the turnover of agricultural land, we will be able to transfer another 3 million hectares of land. The communities will have a chance to lease these lands through auctions, which will earn them about UAH 15-20 billion annually. This is really a very important resource for filling local budgets, creating prosperity in rural areas,” said Taras Vysotsky.

In turn, Roman Leshchenko told about the national dialogue within the framework of regional land forums, which has already been conducted in 15 regions.

“Ahead there are meetings with members of the public, all businesses interested in land reform. In addition, we continue the dialogue with the line associations, ATO participants, as well as parliamentary initiatives will be considered. We expect to find a compromise that will allow land reform to be carried out as effectively and transparently as possible,” Roman Leshchenko added.

During the discussions, participants were briefed on parliamentary initiatives in the field of decentralization and the introduction of land turnover as an effective tool for the development of CCs.