The Federation Council discussed improving lease relations in the forestry industry

Photo: Press Service of the Federation Council

On May 29, the Federation Council held a meeting on the practice of applying the new provisions of the Forest Code of the Russian Federation regulating the procedure for renewing forest lease agreements. The meeting was chaired by Natalia Komarova, First Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Nature Management.

Since September 1, 2023, a mechanism for extending leases without bidding for bona fide lessees has been in effect. However, according to Rosleskhoz, as of April 2025, 11% of applicants have already been denied renewal. Back in November 2024, Alexander Dvoynykh, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Nature Management, noted that minor violations by lessees that do not affect the sustainability of forest management are often the reason for refusals. As a result, only 19.3% of forest lands have been leased.

Natalya Komarova, First Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Nature Management: “Our Committee receives requests from regions with proposals for further improvement of forest legislation in this area. The Council for the Development of the Forest Complex of the Russian Federation under the Federation Council has instructed to continue monitoring the results of the enforcement of this federal law.”

The Federation Council Committee recommended that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia and the Federal Forestry Agency, together with the regions, thoroughly analyze problematic issues and develop clear, balanced explanations to simplify the procedure. For example, lease agreements are already being formed electronically, but their signing in electronic document management systems will only be introduced this year.

Association “Russian Tiimber” consistently advocates for the improvement of lease relations, which directly affect the investment attractiveness and development of the entire forestry complex of Russia. We continue to monitor the situation and participate in the development of effective solutions for the industry.