The Law on Pastures governs the management, improvement, and use of state-owned pastures. Pasture management is considered a matter of public interest. According to the law, a pasture is agricultural land covered in grass that is primarily used for grazing livestock and cutting grass for animal feed. This definition also includes grassy areas larger than 3 hectares within forests, as long as they are not in selective forests or areas undergoing land reclamation and restoration. The Government of the Republic of Macedonia establishes a public enterprise, the Public Enterprise for Pastures, to manage state-owned pastures. This enterprise is tasked with preserving the land, increasing its value, and ensuring maximum grass growth. The government also adopts a 10-year pasture management program, while the Public Enterprise for Pastures creates an annual program. The Public Enterprise for Pastures leases pastures to legal and natural persons through a public announcement. The law prohibits the plowing and usurpation of pastures. To set up temporary structures like pens or watering holes, users must get permission from the Public Enterprise for Pastures. The Public Enterprise for Pastures can revoke a user's access to a pasture if they do not follow the terms of their agreement. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management is responsible for overseeing the enforcement of this law. Violations can result in fines for both legal entities and individuals. The law also details the process for issuing a violation notice, including a mandatory education procedure before a formal request for an offense proceeding is filed.
الشمالية مقدونيا · 1998-01-22