The Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC), as part of the Ukrainian Agri Forum (UAF), together with a number of agrarian associations turned to First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - the Minister of Economy of Ukraine Svyrydenko Yulia with proposals regarding some aspects of the reservation of conscripts working in the agricultural sector.

Resolution No. 194 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated March 3, 2022 regulates the issue of reservation of conscripts under the legal regime of martial law. Most farmers went through the reservation process in the spring 2022 and received a postponement from mobilization, which cannot exceed six months. In order to obtain a new deferment for conscripts, agrarian enterprises are conducting systematic work on relevant lists formation and submitting proposals. However, at present, the reservation process began to extend in the state authorities responsible for making relevant decisions.

Recently, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine presented changes to the reservation procedure to farmers, the essence of which is to automate the reservation procedure on the basis of the new information and communication system "e-Reservation". Such changes will significantly optimize and speed up the booking process. At the same time, everyone understands that the development of such a system and its implementation will take some time.

"However, in August-September 2022, many farmers will have a period of mobilization postponement and an agricultural worker may be mobilized right during field work campaign, which in general endangers the new sowing campaign," is emphasized in the appeal.

In order to successfully conduct autumn field work campaign, agricultural associations consider it necessary to make a systemic decision regarding a one-time extension of the moratorium on mobilization for the period of development and implementation of the new "e-Reservation" system.

VAF members have prepared proposals for amendments to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine proposing a one-time extension of the moratorium on mobilization until December 31, 2022 for employees whose reservations expire in August-December 2022.

The appeal clarifies that Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine "On Mobilization Training and Mobilization" specifies that conscripts reserved for enterprises, institutions and organizations in accordance with the procedure established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine are not subject to military service during mobilization. Therefore, the proposed changes do not contradict the current legislation and can be implemented through the introduction of amendments to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated March 3, 2022 No. 194 "Some issues of reservation of conscripts under the legal regime of martial law".

Agrarian associations ask the authorities to initiate appropriate changes as soon as possible and to prevent disruption of autumn field work.