Ukraine Establishes High-Risk Farming Zones
The Ukrainian government has approved a new procedure to identify areas of high-risk agriculture, paving the way for state support to affected farmers. This initiative is designed to help the vital agricultural sector withstand the dual pressures of climate change and the ongoing war. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko stated that
"the identification of such territories will be based on two key criteria."
Criteria for Zone Designation
The first criterion involves adverse climatic conditions, specifically a critically low level of productive soil moisture, which must be confirmed by laboratory testing. The second relates to the consequences of hostilities. Land plots will be automatically designated as high-risk if they are located:
- near the border with the aggressor state;
- on the front line of hostilities;
- in areas contaminated with explosive ordnance.
Regional military administrations (OVAs) will compile the initial lists of such lands, with final approval to be granted by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine by August 31.
To qualify for state support, agricultural producers must be registered in the State Agrarian Register and submit an application via the designated electronic portal by July 1. Applications citing insufficient moisture must also include a relevant laboratory report. Once the official lists are approved, eligible producers will gain access to the available support measures.
The implementation of this mechanism marks a significant step in sustaining Ukraine's agricultural output under extreme duress. This targeted state aid aims to bolster food security and sectoral stability by helping farmers adapt their operations to these challenging new realities.