New criteria for obtaining conscription exemption for small farms have come into force in Ukraine. Now, owners of enterprises processing less than 1,000 hectares of land must meet updated requirements established by regional military administrations. This was stated by the Minister of Economy, Oleksiy Sobolev, during a question-and-answer session with the government.

Regional criteria and basic requirements

According to the minister, farmers must apply for exemption to the regional military administrations (RMA), which have approved 225 regional criteria. To obtain exemption, an entrepreneur must meet one or more of these requirements. Basic criteria include:

  • An average wage level at the enterprise of around 26,000 hryvnias;
  • No tax arrears;
  • Compliance with the regional criterion approved by the RMA.

The minister noted that the exemption process is currently being optimized. The last review of criteria took place in December 2024, and over a year and a half, changes have become necessary. Regional military administrations are actively working on updating requirements.

Support for small farmers

In regions where small farmers face difficulties in obtaining exemption, the government is ready to intervene. The Ministry of Economy plans to hold dialogues with regional administrations to help farmers meet other criteria or optimize existing requirements.

"Therefore, there will be and should not be a crisis with small farmers," emphasized Oleksiy Sobolev.

Changes for the agricultural sector and other industries

Recently, thresholds for obtaining the status of critically important enterprises were raised in Ukraine, which automatically grants the right to exempt employees from mobilization. For the agricultural sector, requirements for income and land area have doubled, while for forestry enterprises, they have increased fivefold. New mandatory wage criteria for large companies have also been introduced.

Growth in the number of exemptions

Over the past year, the number of Ukrainians who have received exemption from mobilization has increased by more than 300,000 people. The largest surge occurred in frontline regions, where the need for qualified personnel is particularly high.

The Ministry of Economy reminds that inspections of enterprises for compliance with new criteria will begin on August 10. Entrepreneurs are advised to prepare in advance and ensure that their business meets all requirements.