Georgian Gov’t exempts 8,000 farmers from agricultural fines

The Government of Georgia is making amendments to the State Property Law to encourage farmers to work the agricultural sector without facing financial obstacles.

The updated law would see about 8,000 leaseholders be exempt from fines they were obligated to pay based on leasing agreements for agricultural lands signed until January 1, 2014.

In total the Government will forgive farmers’ loans valued at about 20 million GEL.

Economy Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili led a discussion about the amendments at today’s Governmental meeting.

"Today we presented amendments to the State Property Law to the Government, which is about agricultural lands. These are the lands that were granted on lease in 1992-2005 years.

On one hand the Government will exempt farmers from fines – the farmers had no idea they had been fined during all these years – and on the other hand we will improve relations with farmers,” said Kumsishvili.

Additionally, the Economy Minister announced the Government would forgive farmers’ unpaid rents for agricultural equipment which were rented between 2005 and 2007.

All farmers who want to have their fines wiped should write a claim and apply to the National Agency of State Property.