The Government Approved the Procedure and Criteria for Defining Risky Agricultural Zones

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has for the first time approved a clear procedure for identifying agricultural lands that belong to risky agricultural zones due to adverse weather conditions or the consequences of military actions. The relevant resolution “On the Approval of the Procedure and Criteria for Defining Risky Agricultural Zones” was adopted on March 4, 2026.

This is reported by AgroReview

Key Criteria for Identifying Risky Lands

This document aims to strengthen the country’s food security amid military actions and escalating climate challenges. From now on, agricultural producers operating in high-risk areas will be able to receive targeted state support. This decision will cover the average level of rent, minimum tax obligations, and ensure the stability of agricultural production in such zones.

“We are implementing a clear and transparent mechanism for defining risky agricultural zones for the first time, which will allow us to direct state support effectively, minimize losses from climate and military risks, and guarantee food security in Ukraine. This is an important step to support agricultural producers working under extremely challenging conditions,” emphasized Taras Vysotsky, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The resolution defines two main criteria for classifying lands as risky agricultural zones:

• Negative Climate Impact. The decisive indicator is the level of productive moisture in the soil layer of 0–100 cm: less than 80 mm from March 15 to April 30 for winter crops and less than 80 mm from May 15 to June 15 for spring crops. Samples are taken by accredited or certified laboratories under contract with the producer. The conclusions specify the cadastral numbers of the plots, area, coordinates of the sampling points, soil types, and actual moisture volume.
• Impact of Military Actions. Risk zones include plots located within 20 km or at a distance of 20 to 50 km from the state border with the aggressor country or the line of contact, as well as territories contaminated or likely contaminated with explosive objects.

Application Submission Procedure and Further Actions

To obtain the status of a risky agricultural zone, agrarians must be registered in the State Agrarian Register (SAR). By July 1, they must submit an application through the electronic cabinet, adding relevant documents, such as laboratory conclusions regarding moisture deficiency.

After submitting the application, the agrarian can track its status online. Subsequently, regional state (military) administrations form special commissions that verify the documents and make decisions within 10 working days. By July 30, the agreed lists are submitted to the Ministry of Economy, and final approval occurs by August 31 through an order from the Ministry of Economy, with subsequent entry of information into the SAR.

The identification of lands affected by military actions is carried out through electronic data exchange between the State Emergency Service, State Geocadastre, and the Ministry of Economy. All information is automatically reconciled between the relevant registers, allowing for the prompt confirmation of the plots’ belonging to risky zones without additional documentation.

The implementation of the resolution will ensure predictable planning of economic activities, preservation of the production potential of regions, and enhancement of export opportunities even in challenging wartime conditions.