Two Years of Change: The Shifting Landscape of Land Ownership in Ukraine

Transformation in Ukraine's Farmland: A Two-Year Ownership Analysis

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine's agricultural land market has undergone a significant structural shift over the past two years. A key trend has been the consolidation of land assets, with a notable reduction in the number of major landowners and increased concentration among the largest agricultural firms. While the 2024 opening of the market to corporate entities was a pivotal moment, subsequent data reveals a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.

When the market opened to legal entities in 2024, there were 283 companies holding over 100 hectares. By the start of 2026, that number had fallen to 192, with the roster of large landowners shrinking by 40 names in 2025 alone. This points to a clear trend of market consolidation. Simultaneously, nearly one-third of all corporate-owned land is now concentrated in the hands of just ten companies, which collectively control 18,344.98 hectares.

Significant changes in landholding sizes are evident among major players. For instance, Zemletreid reduced its land bank by nearly four times, while Agroforest saw its holdings shrink by a factor of 8.6. In contrast, 103 firms chose not to alter their land areas. Regionally, the Kyiv region hosts the most large landowners (38 companies), followed by Kirovohrad Oblast (28) and the city of Kyiv itself (28). Other regions, such as Chernivtsi, Rivne, and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts, have no major corporate landholders at all.

The ongoing conflict continues to impact the market. Sixteen companies are registered in occupied territories, four in zones of active combat, and fourteen in areas of potential conflict, highlighting how security concerns directly influence land ownership and investment.

Market Composition and Prevailing Challenges

An analysis of the market's structure shows that 67.5% of these companies are engaged in agriculture, 17.3% in real estate operations, 5.8% in state administration and defense, 2.1% in wholesale trade, and 1.6% in financial and banking services, as well as mining. Other sectors are represented by 8 companies, accounting for 4.2% of the market.

Facing current wartime and economic pressures, businesses are channeling funds into working capital and the repair of elevators and machinery. As analyst Denys Marchuk notes,

“leasing land allows for quicker relocation of operations in response to the security situation.”

This adaptability is crucial in a market undergoing profound changes that will shape Ukraine's agricultural future.

The evolving ownership patterns signal a deep transformation with the potential to reshape the nation's agrarian economy. While land concentration in large companies may drive management efficiencies, it also raises important questions about fairness and resource access for small-scale farmers. In a context of war and instability, the heightened importance of security factors underscores the urgent need for strategic policies to support the resilience and sustainability of Ukraine's vital agricultural sector.