25 specialized associations in the agricultural sector have appealed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign a law as soon as possible that protects the interests of farmers and agricultural companies that have lost their farms due to the war.

“The occupation of Ukrainian territories by the enemy, the destruction of agricultural enterprises' assets, and the loss of workers are just a few of the many problems faced by farmers since February 24, 2022,” the appeal states.

The law “On Amendments to the Section ‘Final and Transitional Provisions’ of the Civil Code of Ukraine Regarding the Specifics of Lending and Financial Leasing During Martial Law” was passed by the Verkhovna Rada on March 27. However, it has not yet been signed by the President. In a situation where many farmers, saving their families, have left their farms, which are under occupation or in the zone of active hostilities, every day of delay brings financial disaster closer.

“Such farmers, leaving the occupied territories or moving to safe regions, have lost their businesses and the ability to conduct economic activities, as a result of which they cannot fulfill their obligations to creditor banks for previously obtained loans on time,” the signatories emphasize.

Instead of support, many have received lawsuits from banks seeking to collect debts in full, despite the war, destroyed farms, and lost assets.

“Unfortunately, there are numerous cases of commercial banks fully applying debt enforcement mechanisms to such farmers. Often, lawsuits also extend to individual guarantors, leading to the loss of their only home or vehicle,” the agricultural community warns.

The law provides for three critically important provisions:

• a prohibition on the imposition of penalties (interest, fines, forfeits) during martial law and for one year after its end;
• deferral of principal payments while the war and its consequences continue;
• a moratorium on the forced seizure of collateral if the objects are located in temporarily occupied territories or in the combat zone.

“Forced debt collection in such conditions not only fails to take objective circumstances into account, but also threatens to completely destroy the agricultural business in these regions,” the farmers emphasize.

According to the authors of the appeal, the issue has been discussed since 2022: at conferences, in specialized working groups, and in dialogue with the government and deputies. Finally, parliament has made a decision. Now it is up to the president.

“Ukrainian farmers and agri-food companies continue to hold the economic and food front in wartime and are waiting for the fourth year in a row for legislative regulation of the issue of loan repayment. They count on your support every day,” the document emphasizes.

Farmers are calling on the President to take a decisive step - to give a chance for recovery to those who keep Ukrainian villages alive and ensure food security even in the most difficult times.