Romanian Govt Might Withhold Subsidies, Levy Taxes On Owners Of Untilled Land

The prime minister said the landowners might be denied state subsidies or be required to pay some form of penalty or tax.

Two weeks ago, Romanian President Traian Basescu said he supports the introduction of a tax on untilled land, which should be set at least to the level of the subsidy per hectare of land granted in line with European Union regulations. The head of state stressed that leaving three million hectares of land untilled „almost strikes a blow at the economy”.

In an interview with MEDIAFAX in September, Agriculture Minister Valeriu Tabara said owners of untilled land who do not maintain and clean their property will be fined between EUR50 and EUR60 per hectare, adding that the three million hectares of uncultivated land are a major problem for this sector.