Cabinet Approves Criteria for Risky Agriculture Zones to Support Farmers

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a new procedure and mechanism for determining risky agriculture zones, which will allow for more effective and targeted state support for agricultural producers operating under unfavorable conditions. This was announced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on March 5.

This is reported by AgroReview

Main Criteria for Defining Risky Agriculture Zones

According to the new rules, risky agriculture zones will be considered territories that meet two key criteria:

• Climatic Conditions – if the land shows critically low levels of productive moisture in the soil, as confirmed by laboratory tests.
• Impact of Hostilities – if the lands are located near the border with the aggressor state, the line of conflict, or contaminated with explosive objects.

To receive support, the agricultural producer must be registered in the State Agricultural Register. By July 1, an electronic application must be submitted regarding the land plots that fall under the criteria. In the case of identifying risk due to moisture deficiency, a laboratory conclusion must be attached to the application.

“To receive support, the agricultural producer must be registered in the State Agricultural Register and submit an application for the relevant land plots through the electronic cabinet by July 1. If the risk is identified due to moisture deficiency, a laboratory conclusion must be attached,” Svyrydenko stated.

Procedure for Forming and Approving Lists of Lands

Lists of lands that fall under risky agriculture zones will be formed by regional military administrations. The final approval will be carried out by the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture by August 31. Territories affected by hostilities will be determined automatically based on information from state registers, which will help avoid additional bureaucracy for farmers.

After the relevant lists are approved, agricultural producers working in the designated zones will be able to receive state support.

According to the Main Department of Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety, as of March 5, 1,401 people have been injured due to detonations from Russian mines and explosive objects, with the highest number being 254 farmers.

In February 2025, the Ministry of Economy reported that Ukraine needs $29.8 billion for demining territories affected by the war.