A number of regulations have been introduced so that uncultivated land is recorded and brought back into production. The aim is to prevent land from lying idle and to contribute to the national economy. Within this framework, agricultural land that has not been cultivated for a long time is being identified and may be leased to farmers on suitable terms. On 22 August 2024 the Regulation on the Leasing of Uncultivated Agricultural Land for Agricultural Purposes was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. The identification work for 2024 has been completed and identification for 2025 is ongoing. This shows that the leasing of land found to be uncultivated in two consecutive years is close to being put into practice.
Which land will be leased out?
Agricultural land owned by natural or legal persons that has not been cultivated for two consecutive years will be leased out. Agricultural land held in the private ownership of the Treasury or under the control and disposal of the State falls outside the scope of this regulation.
How is it determined whether land has been cultivated?
Determination commissions will be formed within the provincial and district directorates of agriculture and forestry. Methods such as cadastral data, satellite imagery and geographic information systems will be used. However, before the leasing announcements, an on-site inspection and assessment will be carried out. Land on which there is perennial planting or covered (greenhouse) agricultural activity is left outside this scope.
What are the important points landowners should know?
1) Owners whose land has been identified as uncultivated agricultural land should follow the objection periods and lodge their objections after the announcement.
2) Landowners may request that the lease relationship not be extended, by declaring that they will cultivate the land themselves.
3) The rent will not be lower than the current market values.
4) The land may be used solely for agricultural production. Any other use will bring the lease relationship to an end.
5) On land held in shares, a declaration by one of the co-owners that they will cultivate the land themselves is sufficient for the lease agreement not to be extended.
The whole process must be followed correctly from beginning to end. It is important that owners who do not want their land to be leased lodge their objections or submit their declaration that they will cultivate it themselves. Those who wish to have these procedures followed by a lawyer may contact us at [email protected] or on +90 538 317 68 48.
