Farmland Act.

The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the strengthening of agricultural competitiveness, the balanced development of the national economy, and the preservation of national land based on the stabilization of farmers’ agricultural management and the improvement of agricultural productivity through the efficient utilization and management of farmland by prescribing matters necessary for ownership, utilization, preservation, etc. of farmland.
Chapter II provides for: restrictions on ownership of farmland; issuance of qualification certificates for the acquisition of farmland; disposition of farmland that is not used for agricultural management; etc.
Chapter III provides for the efficient utilization of farmland. A Farmland Utilization Plan shall be established. A promotion project for the utilization of farmland in accordance with the farmland utilization plan shall be carried out. The State and local governments shall implement projects to improve and preserve soil and devise policies concerning experiments, research, survey, etc. for improving and preserving soil so that farmers and agricultural corporations may continue environmental agricultural management. The Act prohibits the lease with charge or free lease of farmland except for cases listed in article 23.
The Mayor/Do governor shall designate agricultural promotion areas for the efficient utilization and preservation of farmland (Chapter IV). A person who desires to divert the use of farmland shall obtain the permission of the Minister for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.