Foreign Investment in Ukrainian Agriculture: A Comprehensive Discussion of the Moratorium on Sale of Agricultural Land and Other Non-Economic Risks for Investors

Abstract

Ukraine is currently undergoing a series of land reforms that will result in the creation of a private market for the sale of agricultural land. These reforms will lead to drastic changes in Ukraine's agricultural industry and are intended to promote economic and regional growth. Ukraine is still faced with daunting challenges with security and a high degree of corruption, however, the Zelensky government is working to address some of the major issues and has also worked out a plan to begin undergoing land reform this year. The creation of a private market for agricultural land through lifting the current moratorium on the sale of agricultural land will create vast opportunities for foreign agricultural investors. Ukraine needs foreign investment to develop the agricultural sector, acquire new technologies and farming strategies, improve infrastructure such as roads, and create jobs in rural regions. This thesis examines Ukraine's plan for land law reforms to evaluate the risks and benefits of the proposed strategy on foreign investment in the agricultural sector.