National and European Perspectives
Ukraine plays a critical role in Europe’s agricultural landscape – not only geopolitically, but also in terms of soil resources. The country holds 8.7% of the world’s black soil reserves – some of the most fertile land on the planet – making it a key player in global food security.
Access to land is a critical issue in Ukraine, especially in the context of war, post-war recovery, and European integration. The current land market system favors large agribusiness and foreign investors, sidelining small-scale farmers and rural communities. This imbalance threatens food security, social equity, and sustainable rural development.
In response, the Access to Land network, alongside Ukrainian partners including IEF NASU and the Association of Farmers and Private Landowners of Ukraine, has released a policy brief to advocate for just land governance.
Why This Brief?
The brief aims to:
- Highlight the risks of land concentration and corporate land grabs in Ukraine.
- Recommend suspending agricultural land sales during and after the war to protect smallholder farmers.
- Propose reforms for an inclusive land market aligned with EU values and social equity.
- Encourage EU and Ukrainian policymakers to ensure small-scale farmers have priority access to land.
What’s Inside?
- A historical overview of land reform in Ukraine.
- Analysis of the current land market and its shortcomings.
- Proposals for a post-war land governance framework.
- Calls for EU support and cross-border cooperation.
A Shared Responsibility
This policy brief is a tool for dialogue and collective action. It invites European institutions, Ukrainian authorities, civil society, and farmers to co-create land policies that prioritize justice, resilience, and agroecology.
Download the full brief below and join the movement for land justice in Ukraine.
READ AND DOWNLOAD THE POLICY BRIEF HERE