The introduction of the agricultural land market in Ukraine will enable for building of a strong middle class in rural areas. Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Olena Kovaliova told in her speech at the World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty in Washington. She noted that the Government supports lifting the moratorium on the sale of agricultural land and preserves it the list of priority objectives, hence it engages in the development of infrastructure of the future land market.

In particular, Ukraine became the first country in the world to introduce monitoring of land relations at the legislative level. The system of the State Land Cadastre was transferred to the Blockchain technology, thereby disabling any manipulations with data on land plots. An on-line registration of lease contracts and land plots was introduced. Also, for decentralization purposes, the process of transfer of state-owned land to the united territorial communities was launched.

"The purpose of the reform is not the sale for the sake of sale of land, even at the most attractive prices, but the creation of strong and sustainable farming sector in Ukraine. We directed substantial government support for small and medium producers, since prosperity of rural areas depend on their development", said Olena Kovaliova.

She reminded that the government's concept of land market contains a number of guarantees that would prevent excessive concentration and speculation, targeting primarily the protecting of the rights of land owner.  

"We appreciate the assistance having been provided and prolonged by our international donors and international experts in implementing the land reform. I hope that together we will be able to complete this work and build an open civilized land market in Ukraine called to become the basis for the economic development of the State", underscored Olena Kovaliova.

Background

The 19th World Bank Annual Conference on Land and Poverty takes place on March 19 – 23, 2018 in Washington, DC, USA.

The 2018 conference theme is Land Governance in an Interconnected World.

The Ukrainian delegation is led for the conference by Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Olena Kovaliova. Over 1900 delegates have been registered for the event.