Selected legal issues related to agricultural real estate during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The aim of the article was to determine whether, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the provisions on agricultural real estate, including those contained in the Act of April 11, 2003 on shaping the agricultural system (hereinafter UKUR), matched the socio-economic needs. Secondly, whether and to what extent agricultural producers running agricultural activity on agricultural real estate obtained additional aid due to the epidemic. First, the considerations focus on the acquisition of agricultural real estate with an area of up to 1 ha and often used for the construction of a house with a home garden. Reference is also made to the statistical data on the exercise of the pre-emption right and the acquisition by the National Center for Agricultural Support. Subsequently, the issue of ensuring food and food security in times of the pandemic is indicated to be of greater importance in the context of the obligations of the owners of agricultural real estate, including running a farm for 5 to 15 years after its acquisition. Next, the considerations focus on state support for agricultural producers during the COVID-19 pandemic, referring to lease tenders conducted by the National Center for Agricultural Support, the rules for paying tax, EU aid and benefits granted to agricultural producers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the problem of making investments in renewable energy on agricultural land and concluded lease agreements is discussed.