If an agricultural lot is not properly cultivated for two years, the local authorities will be able to intervene to manage it and lease it out, according to the new Land Code. The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the regulations on the renting out of privately owned agricultural land by local public authorities. The provisions will enter into force on March 7, 2025, IPN reports.

The document provides that the owners of agricultural land will be notified in writing and will be given a period of three months to take the necessary measures to maintain the land. If the owner of the land is not identified, the local authorities will be able to manage the land in order to lease it out, through direct negotiations or tendering.

The rental for the uncultivated land will be deposited on an account of the mayor’s office and will be transferred to the owner of the land from the date of termination of the contract under the conditions set down in the Land Code. Only the administrative costs incurred by the mayor’s office for renting the land will be retained from this amount.

Untended land attracts pests, which quickly spread to the surrounding areas, affecting the crops of other farmers. It is essential to ensure that agricultural land is used responsibly and does not remain uncared for,” said secretary of state of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Vasile Șarban.